Magic Johnson reacts as Los Angeles Lakers land Deandre Ayton to join forces with LeBron James and Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson has recently shared a wordless reaction to Deandre Ayton’s Los Angeles Lakers debut. Johnson just shared a screenshot of the news on X posted by NBA TV and Bleacher Report, where a picture of the trio– Ayton, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James could be seen in the Lakers’ classic gold jersey.

It appears that Johnson is excited about his former team’s new addition to reshuffle the squad, as the Lakers are looking for another championship run in the coming season.

Lakers boost title hopes with Deandre Ayton signing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Magic Johnson reacts

The Los Angeles Lakers have pulled off another headline-making move, signing former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal, adding him to a roster that already boasts Luka Doncic and LeBron James. In a subtle but telling reaction, Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared a screenshot on X featuring the trio in gold jerseys, signaling quiet excitement over this high-profile addition.

Ayton’s move to Los Angeles didn’t happen overnight. After negotiating a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, reportedly giving up about $10 million on his $35.6 million contract.According to ESPN's Shams Charania, “Deandre Ayton has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season. Agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports reached the deal with Lakers president Rob Pelinka.”

The Lakers, per insiders speaking with The Athletic, made this move with Luka Doncic’s input. “Doncic, according to league sources, is excited about the opportunity to play with Ayton,” reported Dan Woike and David Aldridge. It’s a calculated step that centers the team’s strategy around Doncic while adding a big man who can anchor the paint and elevate their pick-and-roll offense.Ayton's potential is well-known.

He was a key piece of the Phoenix Suns' 2021 Finals run, averaging a double-double for his career (16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds) and becoming the first player since Dwight Howard to average 10+ points and 10+ rebounds in each of his first seven seasons. But his time in Portland was rocky. According to Jason Quick of The Athletic, “The tardiness to team flights and practices… skipping of rehabilitation appointments… tantrums in the locker room when he was sidelined for poor effort” all contributed to Portland’s decision to move on.Still, Ayton has found a new opportunity, and the Lakers desperately needed a center. The fit matters. In L.A., Ayton won’t be the franchise cornerstone. As Quick noted, “In Los Angeles, there is no question that Doncic and James sit atop the pecking order. Ayton is no longer the big fish, but there's a solid role for him in the pond if he embraces it.”Also Read: NBA analyst drops bombshell comments on LeBron James and Luka Doncic chemistry: “This is Luka’s team now”Magic Johnson’s quiet nod on social media also hints that the Lakers may have just completed a major piece of their puzzle.