The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move in the free-agent market by signing Deandre Ayton to a two-year contract that includes a player option for the second year. This development, reported initially by Chris Haynes and confirmed by various sources, positions the Lakers to add a center who was taken just two picks ahead of Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft.
From a purely basketball standpoint, landing Ayton is as solid as it gets for the Lakers in their quest for a center. He stands as the best available option during this free agency period and seems like a promising fit on paper. However, there’s a notable caveat: Ayton’s past performances suggest a long-standing challenge in consistently living up to his talent.
Last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. If we look back a couple of seasons to his time in Phoenix, he demonstrated more scoring prowess, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds. His offensive game showcases versatility; when he’s dialed in, he can excel as a rim-runner and lob threat, evidenced by the fact that 34.4% of his shots last season were taken at the rim, where he converted at a remarkable 82% rate. Additionally, his mid-range game is respectable, adding another dimension to his scoring capabilities.
Defensively, Ayton brings a significant physical presence in the paint, although he isn’t known as a premier shot blocker, averaging just one block per game last season. This blend of skills presents a tantalizing opportunity for the Lakers.
Yet, the challenge lies in Ayton’s focus and commitment to the game. Observers have described him in the past as “immature” and noted a tendency toward inconsistent effort. Reports of tardiness to team functions and a lack of accountability have raised questions about his dedication on multiple occasions. Some have characterized him as a player whose confidence can sometimes outpace his commitment, resulting in mixed reviews from previous teammates and coaching staff.
For Ayton to thrive with the Lakers, he’ll need to step up his game and shed distractions. This situation has some high stakes, given that he will be joining a locker room led by LeBron James, who has built an illustrious career on being prepared and bringing consistent effort. Additionally, with Luka Doncic, who relies on strong support from his teammates, Ayton’s performance will be under a microscope.
Coach J.J. Redick, a younger and relatable figure for players, is taking on the challenge of guiding Ayton. If Redick, LeBron, and Doncic can collaborate to keep Ayton focused, we could be looking at a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise.
Financially, this signing aligns neatly with the Lakers’ budget, as Ayton’s two-year, $16.6 million deal falls under the mid-level exception. While he’ll take a pay cut from his previous salary of $35 million, he’s still receiving substantial earnings from his buyout with the Trail Blazers, making the transition smoother for him financially. Next year, he’ll have the option to either re-enter free agency or re-sign, which will depend heavily on his performance this season.
The Lakers are banking on Ayton’s potential. If he can harness the promise that’s evident in his skill set and tap into a higher level of focus, this signing could turn out to be a game-changer for the team.
