The Los Angeles Lakers took a chance on center Deandre Ayton at a time when he was at a career crossroads. Fresh off of being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton signed with the Lakers, bringing him to his third team in four seasons.
For as bold as that investment was, the Lakers' greatest display of faith in Ayton has been their refusal to remove him from the starting lineup. After a turbulent ride, he's rewarding their belief.
Ayton has started each of his 65 appearances in 2025-26. It's a perhaps surprising fact considering he's been called out by head coach JJ Redick for needing to be more active on defense, has publicly criticized the role he's been asked to play, and ultimately spoke candidly to the media about needing to be honest with himself about the player he is.
For as polarizing as that process has been, Ayton appears to have meant it when he said that he was committed to being the "effort guy" the Lakers need.
Ayton has blocked three shots in three of his past six appearances. He recorded double-digit rebounding numbers in two of the three exceptions. He's also become more malleable offensively, putting himself in a position to help others instead of first seeking out his own shot.
In the process, the Lakers have made progress toward realizing their potential as a team with more legitimate championship dreams than skeptics would like to believe.
Deandre Ayton is answering the call with energy, intensity, and defense
Los Angeles has gone 5-1 during the aforementioned six games that Ayton has played since his introspection. He's buried an obscene 81.8 percent of his field goals during that time, averaging 10.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 offensive boards, and 1.5 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game.
Beyond the individual numbers, Ayton has become a positive force on both ends of the floor for a Lakers team that's suddenly turning the center position into a strength.
Los Angeles has outscored opponents by 8.5 points per 100 possessions with Ayton on the court over his past six appearances. During that stretch, which includes seven team games played, only four players have appeared in at least five outings for the Lakers and produced a better net rating.
Those names are generally those you'd expect: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and rising backup center Jaxson Hayes.
Hayes' breakout only furthers the reason to applaud Ayton for his quality over the past few weeks. Ayton could've easily gotten down on himself as his teammate effectively stole his spotlight, but instead, he's been step-in-step with his fellow center in providing the value the Lakers need.
Though the path to this point has been less than ideal at times, Ayton has ultimately arrived at the destination the Lakers have needed him to reach. Their investment is paying off.