The Los Angeles Lakers have sparked debate by signing Deandre Ayton after he cleared waivers, addressing their need for a center but inviting significant uncertainty about how this acquisition will shape their championship aspirations. This Deandre Ayton Lakers free agency analysis explores how Ayton, known for both his impressive athleticism and inconsistent performances, could swing the Lakers’ future in either direction.
Lakers Sign Deandre Ayton, Gambling on Potential Versus Past Instability
The Lakers’ top offseason aim was to secure a starting center, and with Ayton, they have acquired a player who has demonstrated periods of dominance as well as glaring weaknesses. After being drafted first overall in 2018 by the Phoenix Suns, Ayton quickly earned a reputation for powerful dunks and strong rim protection, only for those flashes to be contrasted by a track record of injuries, uneven output, and questions around his commitment.
Ayton’s career narrative became even more complicated following a four-year, $122 million extension with Phoenix, granted in part to match a rival offer sheet. The Suns’ faith faded quickly, however, following consecutive playoff disappointments blamed partly on Ayton, prompting a series of dramatic changes including a coaching shakeup and a trade which sent Ayton to the Portland Trail Blazers.
In Portland, Ayton’s momentum stalled further. Plagued by fitness issues and absences—including missing games due to injuries as well as personal logistical problems—his unreliability raised fresh doubts. Amid these setbacks, ongoing conversation intensified around whether he had anything left to prove in the league.
“I got nothing to prove in this league,”
—Deandre Ayton, Center
“I’m a max player, and I’ll continue to be a max player.”
—Deandre Ayton, Center
Ayton’s declaration drew swift and widespread criticism from former players, team insiders, and NBA media, feeding skepticism about his motivation and professionalism. Despite the uproar, Ayton subsequently outlined efforts to strengthen his recovery routines, adopt a more selfless approach as a leader, focus on film study, and mentor teammates, though those remarks garnered less attention.
Why the Trail Blazers Let Go—and the Value the Lakers See
Despite reported praise from Portland regarding Ayton’s effort and skills, the Blazers ultimately agreed to a buyout, signaling their belief he was not the answer to their playoff ambitions. Ayton’s career averages of 16.4 points on 59 percent shooting and 10.5 rebounds per game illustrate efficiency, but statistics alone fail to quell doubts about his consistency and fit on competitive teams.
After dismissing doubts about his status only a season ago, Ayton now finds himself with much to prove. The Lakers signed him reportedly on a value-oriented two-year, $16 million deal—far from the max contracts of his past. Ayton’s own motivation, seeking to reignite his career with a contender, adds a personal element to the Lakers’ gamble, according to reports from sources familiar with his mindset.
For Ayton, the Lakers represent an environment uniquely set up for both his redemption and his potential downfall.
How Ayton Could Redefine the Lakers’ On-Court Play
One clear path to impact lies in Ayton’s ability to transform the Lakers’ interior game. Having struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the playoffs after trading Anthony Davis, the Lakers now depend on Ayton to bring reliable rim protection and scoring efficiency. The expectation is that Ayton can be an ideal target for lobs, capitalizing on passing vision from LeBron James, and help fill the offensive void left by Davis’s departure. His arrival also gives the team new lineup flexibility and a true center presence to challenge top Western Conference rivals.
Ayton’s 2024-25 season figures—averaging 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on .566 shooting—show production, but also a step back from his career peaks, illustrating the “dueling identities” that make him both a potential asset and a risk. The Lakers are now tasked with maximizing his strengths while insulating themselves against the patterns of decline seen in Phoenix and Portland. Luka Dončić’s arrival could help, offering Ayton a creative facilitator able to enhance his efficiency around the rim.
Accountability, Pressure, and a Chance at Reinvention
The supporting environment in Los Angeles could be the key to either Ayton’s rejuvenation or further struggles. LeBron James, noted for his relentless preparation and discipline even entering his twenty-third season, will set a high bar for professionalism and effort. Coach JJ Redick, heading into his second year, is known for a demanding style that the previous iteration of Ayton struggled with under Monty Williams in Phoenix. Veteran voices like Mychal Thompson can offer both mentorship and honest feedback, potentially helping Ayton navigate the NBA’s pressures and his inconsistent record.
The Lakers’ system offers a blend of veteran leadership, competitive structure, and visibility. But, as history has shown, Ayton has faltered under similar circumstances: tension over shot distribution, issues with handling star teammates’ expectations, and outside distractions have all sidetracked him before. Now, in a city where attention and pressure are relentless, Ayton’s reactions will be closely scrutinized.
Challenges Remain for Lakers’ Title Hopes
The Lakers have attempted to address glaring weaknesses by landing Ayton and adding Jake LaRavia for wing depth. Yet questions remain about whether they have sufficient options in the frontcourt and on the perimeter. The team’s elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games during the last playoffs underscored the gap to true title contention despite a talented core including LeBron James. The retention of James, who exercised his $52.6 million player option, signals ongoing ambition, though his agent, Rich Paul, stated that James ultimately prioritizes championships above all else at this point in his career.
These recent moves offer a possible path back to contention but are no guarantee. James remains productive and driven, Dončić is committed to improving both conditioning and durability, and Ayton shares representation with Dončić, which could foster a cooperative partnership.
JJ Redick is set to build on early coaching experiences, and the team is positioned to benefit from increased financial resources under new majority owner Mark Walter, following the Buss family’s sale. These changes, together with time to further adjust the roster, may allow the Lakers to fill remaining gaps and strengthen their bid for another title.
Which Deandre Ayton Will the Lakers Get?
Ayton’s potential has long intrigued NBA observers, often appearing highly promising before reality imposed new doubts. The Lakers’ acquisition of Ayton symbolizes a choice to risk volatility for upside, introducing a variable that could either propel the team into championship contention or undermine its delicate chemistry. As the season approaches, Los Angeles will not have to wait long to learn whether Ayton can deliver on his past promise or if the move will become yet another high-profile misstep.