Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Dončić provided his teammates with an unforgettable bonding experience ahead of the 2025-26 NBA campaign. Among the most appreciative was LA’s marquee offseason addition, center Deandre Ayton, who shared a heartfelt message with his new running mate.
After Tuesday’s practice, Dončić organized a group outing at Los Angeles’ Porsche Driving Experience, as outlined by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. According to the NBA insider, each Laker received their “choice of three different cars to test out on the tracks.” A four-hour session at the venue reportedly costs more than $3,000 per car, leaving Ayton taken aback by Dončić’s generous gesture.
How Did Deandre Ayton Feel About Luka Dončić-Led Team-Building Event?
Speaking after Wednesday’s practice, Ayton expressed gratitude for being able to take part in Tuesday’s Porsche driving activity. The big man noted that he never encountered similar team-building initiatives orchestrated by elite players during his first seven seasons with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.
“I truly appreciate Luka for that,” Ayton said. “I’ve never done that before or had one of the star players really look out for the team like that. Something like that is actually crazy, and I’ve never heard of it or been in a Porsche before, so it was definitely my first time.”
The 2018 No. 1 pick added that he was unaware that Dončić and fellow Lakers superstar LeBron James were “into cars like that.” Ayton’s admission came despite Dončić boasting an ever-expanding luxury car collection, including multiple Porsches, and having gone on record numerous times to discuss his hobby.
Still, Ayton enjoyed his first time watching the dynamic duo “behind a wheel,” particularly seeing the 40-year-old James “pushing,” a sight he described as “pretty cool.” To the 7-footer’s surprise, multiple cars were able to “hold up” his 250-pound frame, allowing him to relish the outing as much as the rest of his teammates.
Lakers coach JJ Redick anticipates Dončić’s leadership display paying dividends for his squad chemistry-wise during the regular season.
“You don’t become a team overnight. It’s a long season, and the more guys can do that off the court, I think the better team we’ll be,” Redick emphasized Wednesday.
Dončić sat out LA’s first two preseason contests for rest purposes following his grueling run with Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025 last month. However, the five-time All-Star is expected to rejoin his team soon, sharing that he “can’t wait for the real games” to begin to get his first full campaign with the Purple and Gold underway.
