Deandre Ayton’s Revival in L.A. Is Real - But Could Price Him Out of the Lakers’ Future
Deandre Ayton’s career arc has taken a sharp turn in Los Angeles - and for all the right reasons. After his championship run with the Phoenix Suns, the former No. 1 overall pick seemed to be drifting into the dreaded “what happened to him?”
category. The questions were persistent: Was the motor consistent enough?
Could he anchor a team long term? Was his ceiling already reached?
Well, those questions are starting to fade - and the Lakers deserve some credit for that.
Ayton’s Role in L.A. Is Simple - and That’s Working
In L.A., Ayton isn’t being asked to be a star. He’s not the focal point of the offense, nor is he expected to carry the defense. What he is doing, though, is exactly what the Lakers hoped for when they brought him in: efficient scoring, dependable rebounding, and a steady presence in the paint.
This simplified role has allowed Ayton to focus on what he does best - and the results have been hard to ignore. He’s consistently putting up double-digit scoring nights while shooting at an elite clip, often hovering in that 70-90% field goal range.
That’s not just efficient - that’s surgical. He’s not forcing shots, he’s finishing plays, and he’s doing it in rhythm with the rest of the offense.
The Lakers don’t need Ayton to be a 20-and-10 guy every night. They need him to finish around the rim, clean the glass, and hold his ground defensively. So far, he’s checked all those boxes.
Rebounding and Defense: Quietly Impactful
Ayton’s rebounding has been a consistent bright spot. He’s regularly pulling down double-digit boards and contributing on both ends - something this Lakers team has needed, especially given their up-and-down performances in the paint this season. Whether it’s securing defensive rebounds to ignite transition or crashing the offensive glass for second-chance points, Ayton has added a layer of reliability inside.
Defensively, he’s not turning the Lakers into a top-tier unit, but he’s doing his job. He’s protecting the rim, altering shots, and using his size to make opponents think twice before attacking the paint. He’s not a game-changing shot blocker, but he’s been solid - and in today’s NBA, that kind of consistency matters.
The Business Side: Ayton’s Value Is Climbing Fast
Here’s where things get tricky. Ayton’s production is doing what it’s supposed to do - raising his market value.
Around the league, teams looking for frontcourt help are paying attention. A big who can score efficiently without needing touches, rebound at a high level, and hold his own defensively?
That’s a rare combination - and one that could command a hefty price tag in free agency or trade scenarios.
For the Lakers, that creates a familiar financial dilemma. They’re already walking a tightrope with the cap, trying to build a contender around their stars while maintaining flexibility. Committing long-term money to a traditional center who doesn’t stretch the floor could limit their options down the road.
And let’s be honest - the Lakers have always been a franchise that thinks big. If Ayton plays himself into a major payday, it might be a payday that comes from somewhere else.
The Bigger Picture: Roster Questions Looming
Ayton’s situation doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The Lakers are still trying to figure out their identity, especially with the trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves sharing the floor. That group hasn’t had much extended time together, and when they do, the offensive pecking order can get murky.
Some nights it’s LeBron taking the lead. Other nights, it’s Luka.
Reaves has had his moments too. But the lack of a clear offensive hierarchy has made it tough for the Lakers to establish a consistent rhythm - and that uncertainty could push the front office to consider bigger changes.
Reaves has already popped up in trade rumors. If the Lakers decide to go star-hunting again - and let’s face it, that’s always on the table in L.A. - Ayton could be part of a larger package. His rising value makes him a real asset, whether the Lakers keep him or use him to chase a blockbuster.
Ayton’s Playing the Right Way - Even If It Leads Him Elsewhere
This is the paradox of success in the NBA. Ayton is doing everything right: playing within himself, producing efficiently, and helping his team win. But that same success might put him out of reach for the very team that helped him rediscover his game.
For now, Ayton is giving the Lakers exactly what they need. But the better he plays, the more likely it is that he becomes a key piece in someone else’s plans - either as a free agent target or as a trade chip in a bigger move.
It’s a good problem for Ayton to have. For the Lakers? That’s a tougher call.