If Deandre Ayton does not get it right in Los Angeles, his days of big contracts and franchise expectations are likely over. This is the season that will define how he is viewed around the league, either as a serious, dependable center with real value or as another “what if” in NBA history.
Deandre Ayton is officially out of excuses
The Los Angeles Lakers did not bring Ayton in just to patch a hole. They brought him in to be part of the solution. He is being given a real opportunity, a starting role, elite playmakers around him, and a spotlight few players ever get. It is on him now; there should be no more excuses.
Ayton has all the tools. He has got size, touch, footwork, and a solid mid-range jumper. He can run the floor, catch lobs, protect the rim, and score with his back to the basket.
In terms of raw ability, he absolutely has the skill set of a top-10 center in this league. But with Ayton, talent has never been the issue. Commitment and attitude have been the focal points.
He showed real flashes during the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals run. But ever since, his career has felt stuck and, frankly, disappointing.
As a member of the Portland Trail Blazers last season, he put up 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. Respectable numbers, but ultimately empty. He was quiet on the floor and even quieter off it. There was no real presence, and that is what has to change.
The Lakers are not going to wait around for him to figure it out. They need him ready now. With guys like Luka Doncic and LeBron James drawing attention, Ayton does not have to dominate. He just has to be reliable, consistent, and show some true heart day in and day out.
Ayton is 27. This is his prime. If he shows up and delivers this season, he could position himself for a major contract in 2026, possibly the biggest of his career. But if he does not? He may be looking at minimum deals and backup roles for years to come.
This is not just another chapter in his career; it is the turning point. The Lakers are giving him the best setup he has had since Phoenix. The question now is whether he wants it badly enough, and whether he is finally ready to fight for it.