Lakers' Deandre Ayton Experiment Faltering as Trust Erodes
When the Los Angeles Lakers brought in Deandre Ayton after a summer buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, the hope was that the former No. 1 overall pick could help stabilize a frontcourt that’s been in flux. But halfway through the 2025-26 season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this experiment isn’t working out the way the Lakers had hoped-and they’re not hiding it.
From the jump, Ayton was never billed as a long-term solution for L.A. He was more of a stopgap-a big body with pedigree, brought in to plug a hole while the franchise figured out its next move.
But now, even that short-term role seems to be slipping through his fingers. The clearest indicator?
Head coach JJ Redick’s recent rotations.
Ayton has found himself on the bench in key moments, and not just once. Redick has repeatedly opted to close games without him, sending a loud and clear message: the trust simply isn’t there.
Take the Lakers’ recent 112-104 loss to the Clippers. Ayton played just 21 minutes, finishing with four points and five rebounds.
But the more telling stat? He didn’t see the floor at all in the fourth quarter.
Redick turned instead to Jarred Vanderbilt, who posted a team-best +16 in only 22 minutes, and Jaxson Hayes, whose energy and athleticism-while imperfect-at least gave the Lakers a different look.
That second-half shift wasn’t just a tactical adjustment-it was a statement. The Lakers were down 64-47 at halftime, and their play noticeably improved once Ayton was out of the mix. That pattern has become familiar this season, and it’s hard to ignore.
The Lakers haven’t publicly acknowledged any buyer’s remorse, and they probably won’t. But actions speak louder than press conferences.
When a team with limited frontcourt depth consistently chooses to sit a healthy Ayton in crunch time, it says everything. It’s not just about fit anymore-it’s about belief.
And right now, the Lakers don’t seem to believe Ayton can help them win.
It’s a tough spot for both sides. Ayton’s next shot to turn things around comes quickly, with a road matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Jan.
- But at this stage, it’s hard to view any single game as a make-or-break moment.
The sample size is big enough. This isn’t about one bad night or a cold stretch-it’s about a season-long disconnect between player and team.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, the timing of all this is notable. While Ayton’s trade value may not be sky-high, the Lakers could be exploring ways to upgrade the frontcourt. The writing’s on the wall: Ayton wasn’t the long-term answer, and now it looks like he’s not even the short-term fix.
The Lakers took a swing on talent and upside. It’s a move that made sense on paper.
But on the court? The fit just hasn’t been there-and with the postseason push heating up, L.A. might not have the luxury to wait any longer.