Jamie Squire / David E. Klutho
Supposed to be selected in the second round of the 2021 Draft, Joel Ayayi did not finally hear his name called during the ceremony, allowing him to subsequently sign for the Lakers. But according to information from a generally knowledgeable insider, this scenario would not be a fluke.
Coming out of a most encouraging junior season for Gonzaga, his profile intrigued more than one NBA franchise. However, to the surprise of the main draft experts, Joel Ayayi was not selected by any team during the ceremony. An outcome which could have disappointed more than one prospect, but which was not right in the hopes of success of the promising French rear.
Only a few minutes after the end of the big lottery, the latter was able to initial a two-way contract … to the Lakers. Although he was not drafted, joining such a prestigious and ambitious team for the coming season is a real success for him. Moreover, according to Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, it could be that the international U19 had its role to play in this beautiful turn of events.
Like (Austin) Reaves (another non-drafted player obtained via a two-way contract by LA, editor’s note), Ayayi refused offers that would have allowed him to be drafted, in order not to be selected and to choose its destination. And like Reaves, again, he picked the Lakers. Yeah, the Lakers did well, even without having a single pick.
Having abandoned their chances of being able to recover any prospect, by sending their 22nd pick to the Wizards in the exchange involving Russell Westbrook, the Angelinos therefore fell back on the snubbed young people. A category in which Ayayi has voluntarily entered, so as to join the ranks of the 2020 champions. From now on, he hopes to follow the trajectory of an Alex Caruso, and to make against all expectations a place in LA.
Vecenie also recalls that, despite the pedigree and the big goals that LeBron James et al. for next year, this possibility does not seem so unrealistic at present.
In the end, the Lakers were the more attractive option, and it’s understandable why. They are not only a contender, but also have a ton of spots available in their roster after the Russell Westbrook trade. Players who start the summer with a two-way contact are ultimately well positioned to find a place there, given concerns about the luxury-tax.
Will Ayayi then manage to reissue Ronny Turiaf’s perf, and win in Purple & Gold as a Frenchie from Gonzaga? In any case, he will be able to prove his worth from August 8, and the start of the Summer League.
Despite the obvious risks that this generated, Joel Ayayi therefore refused to be drafted in the second round of the Draft, so as to land at the Lakers. It is up to him to pay off this daring decision in the coming weeks.
