There wasn't a more polarizing offseason addition for the Los Angeles Lakers than former Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers big man, Deandre Ayton.
Ayton has been the subject of quite a bit of criticism since he was taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The former Arizona State center certainly never lived up to being a No. 1 overall pick, especially in the draft that featured Luka Doncic, but he has had some moments of promise throughout his career.
Those moments of promise got him a big contract from the Suns, which Phoenix then shipped away to Portland. The Blazers had no use for Ayton after his lone season in Oregon, resulting in an early buyout this past offseason. That opened the door for him to sign with the Lakers and talk a big game about what kind of impact he can have under the bright lights.
Well, those bright lights may have shone a bit too bright on Ayton in his first venture wearing the purple and gold. And with a disappointing performance in the season opener, many fans have already come to the conclusion that is should be his last opener in LA.
Deandre Ayton may not last a second season with the Los Angeles Lakers
Ayton signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that includes a player option for the second year. Theoretically, Ayton controls his own destiny in that regard next offseason.
However, given the polarizing nature of his game and how his first season with the Lakers will likely go, it's safe to assume the Lakers may be in a position to ship that contract away by the time next summer rolls around.
And it shouldn't be a hard contract to move off of after the 2025-26 season. Ayton is still making less than $6 million next season and he will be an expiring. That is the textbook example of a movable contract that is thrown into a bigger trade.
The Lakers had to add Ayton this offseason out of necessity. The team desperately needed depth at center with Jaxson Hayes being the only traditional five on the roster. With more financial flexibility next summer, the Lakers won't have to commit to bringing in one of the most polarizing players in the league.
So while he technically is under contract next season, it feels safe to say in October 2025 that this will be Ayton's lone season-opener with the Lakers. That is, unless he completely bucks the trend that has followed him his entire career, and which followed him on opening night.