The Los Angeles Lakers took a decisive step to reinforce their roster by signing former Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract on Wednesday. This move aims to strengthen the Lakers’ interior presence, addressing their need for better scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking inside the paint.
Alongside this roster update, a notable prediction has emerged around Luka Doncic, the Lithuanian guard who recently faced criticism for his conditioning and defense during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Jason McIntyre, a host on Colin Cowherd’s program ‘The Herd,’ publicly forecasted a comeback year for Doncic, now linked with the Lakers under coach JJ Redick’s guidance. McIntyre also reflected on the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to draft Cooper Flagg over Doncic, highlighting the talent shuffle that shaped the current NBA landscape.
Describing Doncic’s future with anticipation, McIntyre declared,
“Revenge season is coming for Luka Doncic next year with the Lakers,”
underscoring high hopes for the star’s turnaround.
The Lakers’ Addition of Deandre Ayton Strengthens the Frontcourt
Deandre Ayton’s signing fills a glaring gap in the Lakers’ lineup, where inside scoring and defensive presence have been lacking. Known for his physicality and ability to control the paint, Ayton is expected to contribute significantly to rebounding and rim protection. His arrival is viewed as a crucial component of the Lakers’ strategy to compete more effectively in a demanding Western Conference.
Mixed Reactions to Luka Doncic’s Predicted Comeback Season
The prediction of a Luka Doncic revenge season has sparked a range of reactions among NBA fans and commentators. Some remain skeptical about his capacity to reach new heights, pointing out that Doncic has yet to claim top player honors or an NBA championship. One fan commented,
“There’s no revenger for Luka, he’s never made it to the top of the mountain in being the best player in a given year nor a championship, the only person stopping him, is himself,”
reflecting doubts about the star’s future achievements.
Others focused on the Lakers’ team needs in light of the signing. One observer remarked,
“They need a center. Badly,”
seemingly acknowledging the significance of adding Ayton.
Additional comments expressed tempered expectations for Doncic’s upcoming season, with one fan noting,
“If the revenge season is 48 wins and first round exit in the playoffs it’s definitely coming,”
portraying cautious optimism about the star’s impact.
What This Could Mean for the Lakers and Luka Doncic
The Lakers’ acquisition of Deandre Ayton signals a commitment to strengthening their interior game, which has been a notable weakness. For Luka Doncic, the predicted revenge season represents an opportunity to redefine his NBA legacy and prove critics wrong. His partnership with coach JJ Redick and integration into a revamped Lakers squad could provide the platform needed to elevate his game.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the developments around Doncic and the Lakers’ roster shake-up will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with expectations weighing heavily on how these changes translate into on-court success.