The Los Angeles Lakers are giving Deandre Ayton the gift of finally playing on a title contender again. The seven-footer anchored the Suns' defense on their run to the 2021 NBA Finals and made it to the second round of the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. His desire to return to contention is clear after two years on the lottery-bound Blazers. Playing next to two superstars in high-leverage games could unlock a new level in Ayton.
The Lakers made a massive gamble on the 27-year-old big man, despite the questions about his attitude and effort (subscription required). LA is paying $8.1 million this season after securing his services off the buyout market, and Ayton is the only trusted center on their roster. They believe he can make a massive impact playing off Luka Doncic. That gave them comfort to re-sign Jaxson Hayes and trust Ayton to play significant minutes every night.
Ayton only played 95 games during his two seasons in Portland, but the Lakers believe they will be getting the prime Phoenix version. The nightly double-double threat capable of blocking 1.5 shots per game and anchoring a Western Conference champion's defense. Fans have seen Ayton rise to a new level on a contender before, and the Lakers are giving him a golden opportunity.
Lakers gift Deandre Ayton a shot at playing for a title contender
Things did not end swimmingly for Ayton in Phoenix, but he put up 16.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks over five seasons as he shot nearly 60 percent from the field. Now, he will be the partner of the best pick-and-roll creator in the world. Luka Doncic wanted him on the Lakers and will make him shine in Los Angeles.
Ayton’s defense will be the key to making this partnership work. The Blazers gave up 118.4 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor last season and were 4.8 points better when he went to the bench. In the Suns' 2021 playoff run, Ayton had them down to a 110.0 defensive rating, and Phoenix was 1.0 point per 100 possessions better with him on the floor.
The Lakers are loaded with offensive talent, so Ayton must buy into his role. The seven-footer will be asked to shine as a roll man, rebounder, putback artist, and defensive anchor. LA desperately needs all those elements from their starting center to be a serious title contender. Ayton is capable of doing it all if he’s locked in.
Deandre Ayton has only had three chances to play for a contender in his first seven years in the NBA. He talked about feeling forgotten in Portland and has been dying to get another chance on the biggest stage. Now, he has that. The pressure is on Ayton to thrive in the tense environment and lift the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are unquestioned title contenders with Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading their roster. They need Ayton to be one of the ten best centers in the NBA this season. DA is capable, but must up his effort and accountability. The Lakers gave him a gift. Hopefully, the 27-year-old rewards the franchise with the best play of his career.