The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton off the buyout market this summer, and the big man quieted the critics in Sunday’s 126-116 preseason win over the Golden State Warriors. There have been questions about the seven-footer’s game and impact on winning for years. Ayton’s effort and willingness to play a lesser role were causing doubts, but the 27-year-old is already quieting that noise.

His defense has been impressive, but Ayton’s offensive game finally showed up in the third preseason contest. He finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 26 minutes. Ayton made six of his eight field goals and had just one turnover in the standout performance. Golden State was without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford, and Moses Moody, but LA was also shorthanded. The Lakers certainly don’t win without Ayton on Sunday night.

His lethal mid-range game and ability to dominate as a roll man were on full display against Golden State. The Dubs love to play small, and Ayton had no issues making them pay in his first stellar performance in purple and gold.

Deandre Ayton silenced his critics against the Warriors

The Lakers signed Ayton to be Luka Doncic’s primary pick-and-roll partner. Fans haven’t seen that duo yet, but number 77 will play in two of the final three preseason games. There was plenty of optimism after Ayton was fantastic working off Austin Reaves. He got the Lakers guard open for several shots and punished multiple mismatches.

Ayton gives Los Angeles an elite rebounder at the five. The Lakers finished 26th in total rebounds and 27th in offensive boards last season. Ayton grabbed three offensive and eight overall on Sunday night, which was on par with his career numbers. The big man may instantly solve one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses.

This is Ayton’s chance to prove he can anchor a contending defense like he did in 2021 as the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA Finals. The 27-year-old wants another massive payday, but he must earn it. This is his chance to prove he can impact winning on both ends. If he does, teams will view him very differently moving forward.

Ayton did it all against the Warriors. Lakers fans got to see his abilities as a roll man, mid-range master, defender, and rebounder. It was an impressive third preseason game, despite LA being without multiple key rotation pieces. The Lakers desperately needed some optimism with LeBron James out to begin the regular season. Ayton delivered on Sunday night, and the best is still yet to come when Luka is back in the lineup.

The Los Angeles Lakers may get the best version of Deandre Ayton. He is eager to be back on a contender and must prove he can help his team win. The early returns are strong, but Ayton has to be more consistent. Hopefully, he builds on this third preseason game and continues to stand out. If so, the Lakers have something special brewing. Fans are already eating crow, and this may just be the beginning.