The Los Angeles Lakers have gone through a slight renovation this offseason.

While LeBron James is getting set to return for his eighth season with the Lakers, and NBA season No. 23, the team will showcase a handful of new players to tip-off the 2025-26 season.

Offensive minded center, Deandre Ayton, was brought in this offseason on a two-year, $16.6 million deal. Ayton, 27, will play for his third team in year No. 8, having averaged a double-double in every season of his NBA career.

Deandre Ayton Sets the Record Straight on LeBron James, Luka Doncic

Ayton will likely take a backseat to James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, but should add a new dynamic to this year’s Lakers roster with his size and rebounding abilities.

Following Wednesday’s practice, Ayton spoke with reporters. Ayton was asked what it’s been like working with James and Doncic so far this offseason. His response provided a stunning revelation about his superstar teammates.

“I haven’t. I haven’t. It’s just something I’ll be waiting on, just gotta prepare. JJ (Redick) and the coaching staff probably has something where they can put stuff together for all of us to really build chemistry,” Ayton said.

James, 40, is still sidelined, as he’s currently dealing with a glute injury. While there is no definitive timeline for his return, the hope is that the four-time MVP will be ready for the Lakers first game of the season.

As for Doncic, the 26-year-old is battling a heel contusion that has kept him sidelined from preseason action as well as practice. The Lakers are also expecting to have Doncic on the floor on opening night.

Doncic, who was acquired by the Lakers in one of the more shocking trades in NBA history, is fresh off a three-year, $165 million contract extension that will keep him with the Lakers until at least his player option kicks in ahead of the 2028-29 NBA season.

Lakers Hoping New-Look Roster Can Build Chemistry Ahead of NBA Season

The Lakers offseason moves didn’t end with Ayton.

They also brought in defensive minded guard, Marcus Smart. The 31-year-old, former Defensive Player of the Year, will suit up for his fourth team when ready as well. Smart signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Lakers but is still working his way back to 100%, as he is dealing with Achilles tendinopathy.

While the Lakers, and Ayton, would presumably like to see James, Doncic, Reaves, Smart, and Ayton on the floor at the same time, this is a group of veterans who will likely be able to build chemistry quickly once they share the floor together in the regular season.

As per FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lakers have the fifth best odds to win the NBA Finals this season with odds of plus-1500. They trail only the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and New York Knicks.

The Lakers season is set to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors at 10:00 p.m. EDT on NBC and Peacock.