Despite some obvious deficiencies in the departments of speed and athleticism, the Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a fast start this season. They've risen to near the top of the Western Conference standings. Now, ironically, one of their biggest problems moving forward could be Deandre Ayton.
It's not that Ayton has some sort of glaring problem right now. But that's just it: Lakers fans have reached a point where they have a reasonable amount of trust in him right now. And unfortunately, Deandre has a history of disappearing in big moments. The thought that they might be getting set up for disappointment has to be the biggest fear for the Lakers right now.
One reason this concern has surfaced is the way the Lakers are being constructed offensively. They have leaned heavily on ball movement early in games, using Luka Doncic's creation and Austin Reaves’s off-ball movement to generate looks. That has worked well in the regular season so far.
But when the game gets tight and defenses switch everything, teams look to exploit interior rotations. Ayton’s scoring has been solid, but his presence in the final minutes is not always a given, and that uncertainty can make opposing defenses more comfortable taking away perimeter options instead.
Lakers need more certainty from Deandre Ayton
Another factor that complicates Ayton’s role is the Lakers’ overall lack of elite athleticism on the wing. Teams with more speed and length around their stars can hide a center who struggles with switching. Lakers fans have seen how quickly things can unravel when Ayton gets isolated on the perimeter or asked to guard switches that require quick lateral movement.
Of course, to be fair, Ayton has shown more consistency this season than many expected. He's been reliable at setting screens, catching lobs, and finishing around the rim. But big moments often require more than just the simple things. They require someone who can create their own shot when possessions break down and who can defend a variety of players without hesitation. That level of versatility has not been Ayton’s calling card in the past.
The Lakers have benefited from depth and team defense this season, and that collective effort is what has kept them afloat when Ayton is not the best matchup. When bench guys have stepped up, the team has been able to absorb some of the mismatches Ayton might struggle with. But that strategy has limits, especially in the playoffs.
Ultimately, the Lakers need Ayton to be more than just an efficient big man. They need him to be someone opponents are forced to account for late in games. If the Lakers can find ways to mask his limitations, this season will continue to look promising. If not, fans may start to revisit those fears that have quietly lingered since his arrival.