Deandre Ayton’s Rocky Start Raises Concerns for Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing potential turmoil early in the preseason. While it’s essential to remember that these games are not definitive indicators of a team’s future, Deandre Ayton’s initial performances have left much to be desired.
A Troubling Debut Against the Warriors
In a preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors on October 5, Ayton took to the court for 21 minutes, finishing with a staggering minus-25 in plus/minus. Such a number is difficult to achieve, and it speaks volumes about his struggles during the game.
Prior to this, in the Lakers’ preseason opener, Ayton logged 18 minutes and recorded a minus-2. While that performance wasn’t catastrophic, it certainly raised eyebrows. The Lakers must now grapple with the challenge of integrating Ayton into their system, particularly as he is a more traditional center who needs assistance to receive the ball, lacking the self-creation skills seen in many modern big men.
Navigating the Preseason Landscape
The current landscape of the Lakers’ roster complicates matters further. With LeBron James likely sidelined until the regular season begins, Ayton finds himself operating alongside secondary creators who may not fully utilize his skills. This has hampered his ability to make a significant impact thus far.
Additionally, the absence of Luka Doncic in the first two preseason games—due to his demanding summer representing Slovenia at EuroBasket—highlights the transitional phase the Lakers are enduring. Without their primary playmakers on the floor, Ayton’s potential remains obscured.
A Complicated NBA Journey
Ayton’s background in the NBA adds an intriguing layer to his current predicament. As the number one overall pick, he came into the league with high expectations, but his recent trajectory has not reflected that initial promise. There appears to be a consensus that he has struggled to make a positive impact on winning, which raises questions about his fit with the Lakers.
As the team moves closer to the regular season, the hope is that Ayton can shift the narrative surrounding him. The Lakers are banking on his ability to find his stride and contribute meaningfully, but whether that can happen remains to be seen amid the uncertainty of the preseason.
