Deandre Ayton was a lot of things for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26. Ayton was a headache, inconsistent, and a low motor player. However, there were also moments of the Lakers center being productive and serviceable. There were even some flashes of that former first overall pick in there.
Throughout all of this, no one would exactly describe Ayton as an 'A-list center.' Maybe generous folk out there would have him slotted among the B-list. The harsher assessment would definitely place him on C-list. Why the odd descriptor? Well, it is because of Luka Doncic's hopes for this summer.
Dave McMenamin did a deep dive on the five biggest questions for the Lakers this offseason. In it, the ESPN reporter revealed Doncic has a very clear expectation for what he would want in Los Angeles at the center position.
McMenamin wrote: "Luka's first and foremost desire is an A-list center,' the source said."
Deandre Ayton does not fit what Luka Doncic is asking for at center
The focus has thus fur been on the source's descriptor of A-list. Pretty much everyone should be in agreement that Ayton does not qualify for that.
It is equally interesting that McMenamin's source cited the desire for a top-tier center as Doncic's 'first and foremost' concern. That should provide Lakers fans with a hint as to what shoots to the top of the priority list for Rob Pelinka and the franchise this summer.
Naturally, that sentiment excludes Austin Reaves and LeBron James. The reasoning there could have more to do with the comfort of knowing their situations are in good standing, more than anything else. Reaves largely been connected as a returning figure for the Lakers. James staying in Los Angeles remains the betting favorite too.
With those two major question marks potentially close to being wrapped up, center sticks out at the top of the list as what the Lakers need to improve for next year's team. It makes a ton of sense as to why.
Watching the 2025-26 Lakers, particularly when the trio started meshing together properly, had many cautiously optimistic about the team's upside. An additional thought that was hard to ignore would have been just how much better Doncic, Reaves, and James could have it if they had stronger support around them.
A better-fitting center was one of the major sticking points with that idea. Ayton is simply not good enough as a rim defender and play finisher to truly give the Lakers what they need around Doncic and his running mates.
If Pelinka aims to honor Luka's desire to play with a truly legit center, there should be a new starter in Los Angeles before the offseason is over. Ayton's days can be considered more numbered than ever.
Add us as a preferred source on Google