Deandre Ayton’s first official game as a Los Angeles Laker didn’t go as planned. The 7-foot center looked uncertain at times in Tuesday’s 119–109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, and after the game, even he admitted he’s still figuring out how to fit in.
“Today I realized, I’m probably a confusing big,” Ayton told reporters after the game, Sports Illustrated reports. “When I can roll and stand just in the pocket, it’s probably a little difficult for them sometimes. I’m so used to the league having that low man on me, so sometimes I can’t even finish a roll.”
Ayton explained that he tends to hover around the free throw area to make himself available for passes instead of rolling hard to the rim. “A tiny bit linger around the free throw area, just to be available,” he said. “We’ve got to play some more games like this against great teams to really see what the common coverage is and how they play us.”
The Lakers acquired Ayton over the summer to bring more balance to their frontcourt. With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves orchestrating the offense, Ayton’s role as a pick-and-roll partner is critical. Still, early chemistry issues showed up right away. The 27-year-old finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and one block on 5-of-7 shooting in 34 minutes.
Luka Doncic Takes Responsibility for Ayton’s Slow Start
After the loss, Doncic shouldered the blame for Ayton’s limited touches, saying he needs to involve his new big man more often in the offense, per Bleacher Report. “Have to do a better job, just talking to him, like what I want and what he wants,” Doncic told reporters. “Today was on me, not getting him enough touches probably. Gotta help him.”
Doncic scored 43 points and added nine assists, but admitted that his connection with Ayton still needs time to develop. For his part, Ayton’s self-assessment left some fans puzzled. His “confusing big” comment reflected the challenge of adapting to new teammates after spending his career in different systems.
In essence, Ayton described himself as unpredictable within the pick-and-roll, alternating between midrange positioning and rolling directly to the basket. That variation, while potentially useful, makes it hard for ballhandlers to anticipate where he’ll be.
Bleacher Report analyst Andy Bailey summarized Ayton’s comments as a case of “too many options,” noting that spacing issues could emerge if he doesn’t commit to one approach.
Lakers See Growing Pains as Part of the Process
For now, the Lakers appear patient with their new-look lineup. Facing the veteran Warriors in the opener provided a tough test for a group still getting comfortable. Head coach Darvin Ham has emphasized communication on both ends of the floor, a point Ayton echoed when discussing defense.
“I feel like we responded pretty well to my communication out there,” Ayton said. “Obviously, some execution and closing possessions on the defensive end, we got a little discombobulated. It was on me in some possessions where I should have talked more or blitzed early. But I feel like my guards did a good job trusting me.”
Golden State scored just 36 points in the paint, a sign that Ayton’s defensive presence still made an impact. The Lakers will now look for consistency on both ends as their core settles in.
With expectations high for a title run, chemistry between Doncic, Reaves, and Ayton will be critical. The center’s willingness to adapt and Doncic’s commitment to involving him could determine how quickly the Lakers find their rhythm.
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