Lakers make a move that helps LeBron reach a unique, unmatched NBA milestone

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a splashy move ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal that includes a player option for the second season. The contract sets a new benchmark for the highest-paid player on the Lakers’ roster – and it also adds another unique distinction to LeBron James’s historic career.

With Ayton’s arrival, LeBron will have now shared the floor with nine different players selected first overall in the NBA Draft. The full list: Shaquille O’Neal (1992), Joe Smith (1995), Dwight Howard (2004), Andrew Bogut (2005), Derrick Rose (2008), Greg Oden (2009), Kyrie Irving (2011), Anthony Davis (2012) and now Deandre Ayton (2018).

LeBron’s No 1 draft pick teammates through the years

In his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron played alongside O’Neal in the 2009–10 season. Joe Smith was also part of the Cavs from 2007 to 2009.

When he took his talents to South Beach, LeBron found championship success with the Miami Heat. However, the only No 1 pick he played with during that run was Greg Oden, briefly reunited with him during the 2013–14 season – LeBron’s final year in Miami.

Back in Cleveland for a second chapter, the Cavaliers’ front office pulled out all the stops in pursuit of a title. LeBron teamed up with Kyrie Irving from 2014–15 to 2016–17, and with Andrew Bogut (briefly) and Derrick Rose in 2016–17 and 2017–18 respectively. Of those, only Kyrie shared in the championship glory of 2016.

Then came the move to Los Angeles, where general manager Rob Pelinka brought in Anthony Davis to form a new title-chasing duo. That move paid off – the Lakers captured the 2020 championship in the NBA bubble.

Now, as he prepares for his 23rd NBA season, LeBron will team up with Ayton in what could be his final title pushbefore bidding farewell to the league.

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