The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2025-26 season with a lot riding on their new addition, Deandre Ayton. After spending the second half of last season and the playoffs without a reliable, quality center, the Lakers decided to sign Ayton as their starter this summer. Considering that Jaxson Hayes is the only other traditional big man on the roster, it's safe to say that Ayton will start and close a ton of games for the Lakers.
Lakers fans are understandably concerned about this prospect. Ayton has been nowhere near the level of a starter-caliber center for a title contender over the last several years. Since getting traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 offseason, Ayton has been delivering middling performances away from the spotlight. If the Lakers are going to have any chance at challenging the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Western Conference title, Ayton needs to go back to his Phoenix Suns days.
Fortunately, the 27-year-old center has the right attitude on the first day of training camp. Seemingly very aware of the criticisms he has been receiving and the pressure he will be facing in LA, Ayton said all the right things at the Lakers' media day on Monday.
Deandre Ayton Saying All the Right Things at Lakers Media Day
Reported by Lakers insiders Mike Trudell and Jovan Buha, Ayton said that he wasn't taking this opportunity for granted, and that he feels like "a wounded animal," while adding, "pressure is a privilege."
This is the type of attitude Ayton has been criticized for not having during his seven years in the league. After making the NBA Finals in Phoenix and establishing himself as one of the best young centers in the league, Ayton landed a four-year, $133 million deal. He seemed to have taken his foot off the gas after his contract extension, leading to his trade to Portland and eventual buyout earlier this summer.
Despite his ideal center frame at seven feet and 250 pounds with a solid wingspan and athleticism, Ayton can struggle to play with the physicality and intensity needed for the position. He averaged 1.5 free throw attempts in 31.5 minutes per game during his time in Portland, highlighting his desire to settle for jump shots instead of playing through contact. His defensive effort has also been lacking, resulting in a dip in his ability to challenge shots at the rim.
For the Lakers to find what they are looking for in Ayton, they need to see a much more physical version of the former No. 1 overall pick. It sounds like he is willing to take on that challenge, and if he does, Lakers fans will love having him around.