The Los Angeles Lakers have a championship-or-bust mentality. Between LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, they have the talent to win an 18th title. Plus, they added proven talent this offseason.
Marcus Smart is already fitting in, and there is no doubt that Jake LaRavia will be able to space the floor at a high level. Their biggest signing, Deandre Ayton, is off to a slow start.
The former first overall pick has played in both of the Lakers’ preseason games, averaging only four points and 7.5 rebounds. He has made only three shots in the two contests total, and there is real concern that he won’t be able to find his footing.
Of course, it’s easy to overreact to preseason stats, although with the pressures the Lakers face, it’s sink or swim.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 05: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a slam dunk against the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Deandre Ayton Is ‘the Key’ to the Lakers’ Success
Ayton is yet to play with James or Doncic at all this offseason. Once the season kicks off and James recovers from injury, Ayton will be the starting center.
Throughout his career, he has averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds. However, he is not the best defender and can’t space the floor. In order to win, the Lakers need him to be at his best.
“The key is gonna be Deandre Ayton, and he’s gotta play well because he’s a free agent,” explained Charles Barkley on the Rich Eisen Show. “He ran his way out of Phoenix and Portland because he wasn’t happy. But guys like him who gonna be a free agent, he’s gotta play well. If he can’t play well with Luka and LeBron, he can’t play.”
Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers after a failed stint with the Phoenix Suns. He was bought out this summer. He boasts a player option for next summer, but if he plays well this season, he can opt out and demand more money.
If he plays poorly, he will likely be out of the league after next season.
Ayton will be surrounded by the most talent he’s ever shared the court with, and is in a position to play winning basketball. It’s up to him to maximize his value.
Ayton’s Role on Los Angeles Lakers Revealed
When Ayton was with the Suns, he was the third-leading scorer behind Devin Booker and Chris Paul. He was not tasked with creating for himself. In Portland, there was a less-clear hierarchy of talent. His main job was to prove that he belongs.
Clearly, he did that well enough, as Los Angeles signed him to a two-year deal. Behind James and Doncic, he won’t be asked to score, rather, he will have to use his size and strength.
“If you can’t play well with those two guys as a big guy, all you gotta do is run the floor,” finished Barkley. You’re gonna get layups and dunks or alley-oops on the other end. So it’s a great situation, but he’s gonna have to play at a high level.”
The table is set for Ayton to thrive. There will be some growing pains as he adjusts to a reduced role behind even Reaves, but he should be able to blossom into a winning player.
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