The Los Angeles Lakers recently signed former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million contract, aiming to unlock his untapped potential that the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers could not fully realize. The Lakers’ front office and coaching staff believe that their approach will help Ayton overcome past challenges and elevate his game significantly.
At 26 years old, Ayton has career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game but has faced setbacks related to effort and behavioral concerns, which eventually led to his buyout with the Trail Blazers. The Lakers intend to leverage their coaching expertise to redefine his trajectory.
Lakers Confident Coaching Team Can Unlock Ayton’s Potential
Sources within the Lakers organization emphasize the unique advantages of their coaching staff when it comes to rehabilitating Ayton’s career. Key voices expect that Ayton will surpass expectations during his Lakers tenure, rejecting the option to extend his current contract in favor of reaching higher value in free agency next summer.
For Ayton, who turns 27 at the end of July, the opportunity to re-establish himself couldn’t be more clear. While his contract with the Lakers has a second-year player option, no one involved wants him to exercise it.
—Team sources
The Lakers envision Ayton delivering far beyond the $8 million per year valuation of his contract. They credit head coach JJ Redick’s serious yet player-friendly style as a major factor in fostering the right environment for growth.
The hope being that he far outplays that $8 million valuation and commands way more next summer. Team sources believe the Lakers have the right coaching staff to make that happen. In JJ Redick, they have a deadly serious head coach who also understands how to relate to players.
—Team sources
The staff’s combined experience is pivotal—assistant coach Scott Brooks is familiar with Ayton from their time together in Portland, while Nate McMillan brings extensive NBA wisdom to the table, creating a comprehensive support system.
Despite taking a significant pay cut from the $133 million maximum contract Ayton was under in Portland, the Lakers’ offer removes the burden of max-contract expectations. The player option further motivates Ayton to perform at a high level, with the promise of enhanced earnings as a free agent.
Understanding Ayton’s Struggles in Phoenix and Portland
Ayton’s tenure with the Suns saw him falter at critical playoff moments, with his scoring average dipping from 18.0 points during the regular season to just 13.4 in the 2023 playoffs. His reduced effectiveness led coach Monty Williams to bench him in the decisive Game 7 of the 2022 second round, citing internal issues as a factor.
The former top pick declared himself a max-level player who did not need to prove anything further, creating friction with coaching staff over questions of effort and consistency. This mindset contributed to a decline in his standing within the Suns organization.
His time with the Blazers was troubled by persistent behavioral problems, including lateness to flights and practices, skipping rehab sessions, and visible frustration such as tantrums and slamming chairs when benched. On-court performance also suffered; Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds in the 2024-25 season, but the team’s net points per 100 possessions with him on the court was a negative 6.8.
Such issues convinced Portland management to negotiate his buyout despite owing him $35 million, underscoring the severity of the internal conflicts.
Lakers’ Strategic Risk to Unlock Championship-Caliber Play
The Lakers’ belief in Ayton is partly rooted in past assessments that recognize his upside when properly motivated and coached. JJ Redick praised Ayton in 2022, highlighting his skill in punishing defensive mismatches and his efficiency in pick-and-roll situations alongside Chris Paul.
Ayton’s fantastic. He’s fantastic at punishing mismatches. In the two-man pick-and-roll with him and CP (Chris Paul), they’re the No. 1 offensive duo among high-volume pick-and-roll players.
—JJ Redick, Head Coach
This belief in Ayton’s abilities drives the Lakers’ gamble, as transforming him into a reliable and engaged center could fill a critical need for the team’s championship aspirations. If successful, this move could provide the Lakers with a much-needed foundation piece at the center position.
While the concerns surrounding Ayton remain serious, the Lakers’ coaching staff and management demonstrate confidence that their tailored approach can suppress past issues and harness his full talent in an environment that prizes accountability and growth.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Deandre Ayton a starter?
A. Deandre Ayton is now the starting center for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team chose him after a long search and he was once the top overall draft pick. This news was first reported by Fadeaway World.