Deandre Ayton’s Fit in L.A. Faces Real Questions After Underwhelming First Half
Deandre Ayton’s debut season with the Lakers is entering a critical phase, and the scrutiny is picking up steam. With the All-Star break here, Ayton’s name has landed on a list no player wants to be part of - Bleacher Report’s ranking of the NBA’s most overrated players - and he came in at No.
- It’s a label that now hangs over the rest of the 2025-26 campaign for both him and the franchise.
The Lakers brought Ayton in last summer after he reached a buyout with the Trail Blazers, signing him to a two-year deal worth $8.1 million annually. On paper, it was a sensible move: a low-risk, potentially high-reward option to man the middle alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. But two-thirds into the season, the results have been mixed at best.
Through 46 games, Ayton is averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.0 block per game while shooting a highly efficient 67.5% from the field. The numbers look clean, especially the shooting percentage, but the impact - particularly on the defensive end - hasn't lived up to the billing.
Defensive Concerns Continue to Haunt Ayton
Ayton’s physical tools are elite. He’s 7 feet tall with a 7’6” wingspan - the kind of frame that should be deterring shots at the rim, anchoring the back line, and setting the tone defensively. But those tools haven’t translated into consistent results.
The Lakers’ defense has struggled all season, ranking 23rd in defensive rating. They’re near the bottom of the league in opponents’ two-point percentage and sit 20th in points allowed in the paint. That’s a red flag for any team, but especially for one that brought in Ayton to help shore up the interior.
While Ayton isn’t solely responsible for the Lakers’ defensive woes, his role as the starting center makes him a central figure in the equation. And the numbers don’t do him any favors.
Opponents are converting 59.3% of their shots at the rim with Ayton as the primary defender - a rate that matches what guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are allowing. That’s not the kind of company you want to keep if your job is to protect the paint.
It’s not just about stats either. There have long been questions about Ayton’s motor and consistency.
From his benching by Monty Williams back in the 2022 playoffs to stretches this season under JJ Redick where the effort has seemed spotty, the narrative around Ayton hasn’t changed much. The talent is there.
The urgency? That’s still up for debate.
Limited Offensive Role Leaves Little Room for Error
Offensively, Ayton’s game hasn’t evolved much. He’s still operating as a traditional rim-running big - finishing plays around the basket, rolling off screens, and sticking to his spots. While he’s converting at a high clip, the lack of versatility in his offensive game limits his overall impact.
In today’s NBA, centers are expected to either stretch the floor or serve as dynamic playmakers. Think Nikola Jokic.
Think Joel Embiid. Ayton doesn’t need to be either of those guys, but some growth - whether it’s a mid-range jumper, improved passing, or a bit more self-creation - would go a long way.
Right now, Ayton’s offensive ceiling feels capped, and that’s a problem when his defense isn’t making up the difference. The league is moving away from traditional centers who can’t space the floor or protect the rim at an elite level. Without development, Ayton risks falling behind that trend.
What This Means for the Lakers
The Lakers head into the break at 33-21, sitting 11th in offensive rating and 16th in net rating. For a team with championship aspirations, those numbers are underwhelming.
This isn’t a rebuild - it’s a win-now roster built around Luka and LeBron. Every piece needs to fit, and right now, Ayton’s fit is looking shaky.
He does hold a player option for next season, which makes it likely he’ll return. His starting spot also seems safe for now, given his experience and the lack of obvious alternatives.
But the clock is ticking. Patience is wearing thin, and the Lakers will need more from Ayton if they’re going to make a serious run.
The post-All-Star stretch will be telling. Not just for the Lakers’ playoff positioning, but for Ayton’s future in L.A. This could be the stretch that determines whether he’s part of the long-term vision - or just another short-term experiment that couldn’t quite deliver.