Deandre Ayton arrived in California with a lot of baggage following him from the previous stops of his NBA journey. One thing should be crystal clear in its truth despite that: Ayton is unquestionably an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.
The topic came up on a recent episode of The Hoop Collective. Ayton is far from perfect, but the new Los Angeles Lakers starting center is still a step in the right direction for the franchise.
Tim MacMahon said, "He needs to turn a corner in the maturity realm as well. There's a lot of flaws there, but they were starting Jaxson Hayes at center last season. He is a drastic upgrade. I've said, Deandre Ayton will either be a long-term piece or a short-term circus fire."
Even in the event of the decoratively described scenario of the latter, that circus fire is still the more productive alternative. Whatever way one analyzes the situation, Ayton is the far superior option at center and offers the Lakers much more at the position in 2025-26.
Deandre Ayton will be a serviceable stopgap at worst for the Lakers
Is Ayton the long-term starting center for the Lakers? Well, that really depends on how the upcoming season plays out.
Ayton does fit the mold of some key desirables the Lakers would want out of that position. The former Portland Trail Blazers center can be the play finisher that Luka Doncic needs in a pick and roll partnership.
The former first overall pick can even clean the glass at a respectable level. Ayton has averaged 10.5 rebounds per game in 30.8 minutes a night during his NBA career. His total rebound percentage throughout his days in the league is 18.8.
Most of the question marks that will come for Ayton, apart from characters concerns, have to do with the defensive end of the floor. Can the Lakers center play his best defense since his Phoenix Suns days?
Ayton is not a shutdown center by any stretch of the imagination. However, if properly utilized by JJ Redick and bought in, the physical gifts are there to be a strong positive on the defensive end.
If Ayton does not prove his value with the Lakers in 2025-26, his starting job will have another taker by 2026-27.
Los Angeles can always keep a close eye on the availability of someone like Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and whether his skill set has become redundant for his team. Allen's guaranteed two-way ability would be a much more natural fit with the Lakers and Doncic.
With the constantly evolving nature of the NBA, new center targets will become available as situations change. Until then, Lakers fans can at least find comfort in knowing Ayton will be better than what last year had to offer.