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.

His buyout dramatically changed the situation and greatly increased the likelihood of the Lakers acquiring him. Ultimately, the Lakers did, obviously, sign Ayton, a decision that perhaps might have been made easier by the input of someone with experience coaching Ayton.

According to a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer, Los Angeles is now facing competition from the Indiana Pacers to sign Ayton. Of course, Ayton previously signed a four-year, $133 million max offer sheet with the Pacers a few years back.