Deandre Ayton and superstar Luka Dončić reportedly were very interesting in teaming up this summer on the Los Angeles Lakers after the veteran center agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Five-time All-NBA first team Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic will be joined by two new familiar faces on the Slovenian national team. The 6-foot-6 pro, 26, is gearing up for EuroBasket competition this summer.

For Doncic, a center like Ayton who can set a hard pick and catch lobs in the paint makes for a perfect on-court partner. But that's not the only reason he's excited to suit up alongside Ayton. Lakers insider Dan Woike reported for The Athletic this week that Ayton's role in the Phoenix Suns' 2021 NBA Finals run is a big reason why Doncic is "eager" to play with him.

The Golden State Warriors are a veteran-laden team in win-now mode, and they reportedly have the inside track toward adding another notable older player to their roster this offseason.

The latest Lakers rumors indicate that Los Angeles is about to be dealt a blow by the Warriors when it comes to landing a five-time All-Star.