The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to be their starting center, but it will end in disaster just like his previous two stops.
The former number one overall draft pick has all the talent in the world. Yet, he struggled to make a consistent impact on both ends of the floor.
His decisions and emotions caused friction in Portland (subscription required) and ultimately led to his departure.
The Lakers are betting on his talent thriving in a winning environment, but the franchise will be disappointed.
Luka Doncic recruited Ayton, and the seven-footer’s NBA career depends on this season. He must prove he can impact winning, protect the rim, and thrive as a roll man.
The Lakers have championship aspirations and will need a fully locked-in Ayton to have any shot at that.
All signs point to a negative outcome.
The Suns and Blazers both were eager to get Ayton off their rosters. Portland was better with him on the bench last season and dealt with several off-court issues. The personality clash with head coach JJ Redick could be massive, and this may end in total disaster.
Lakers will regret signing Deandre Ayton
Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 block in 30.2 minutes per game last season.
He has started 391 of his 398 career games, but remains a flawed player. Ayton prefers to shoot floaters over getting all the way to the basket.
It is why the big man averaged just 1.5 free throws per game during his two seasons in Portland. He doesn’t shoot threes and struggles to protect the rim. Those are all drawbacks the Lakers will have to deal with.
Coach Redick is known for being fiery and meticulous. He won’t stand for Ayton missing defensive assignments or not hustling. Those have been issues in the past. Ayton and Monty Williams clashed in Phoenix to the point the big man wasn’t talking to his head coach. It could be another difficult dynamic with Redick.
If all that wasn’t enough, Ayton is known for wanting post-ups and commanding the ball. The Lakers have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. They have zero interest in their three stars standing around as Ayton tries to go to work in the post.
Luka will feed him easy buckets, but the seven-footer can’t demand more touches. He has to clean up the glass and get easy scores inside.
There are just too many things that could go sideways here. Ayton needs to be fully locked in. His talent will make an immediate impact, but the work must follow. The 27-year-old is just entering his prime. If he commits to being a rim roller and defensive anchor, things could work. Sadly, history suggests it won’t.
The Los Angeles Lakers want to win a championship with Luka Doncic.
That is their goal. Doncic plays his best with a strong pick-and-roll partner. Deandre Ayton will get the first crack, but it will end poorly. Lakers fans should already be preparing.
They can’t get fooled by one game.
If things start going downhill, it could spiral quickly. Trouble always seems to follow Ayton, and fans should expect nothing different in LA. It will just get more coverage.
