The Los Angeles Lakers are toeing a dangerous line between untapped potential and the harsh realities of a prime-year player with a history of inconsistency. It's the source of constant debate and conflict among Lakers fans in regard to the low-risk, high-reward signing of Deandre Ayton.
If words mean anything in comparison to actions, then Ayton has given Los Angeles an early reason for intrigue in regard to the potential return on investment.
Ayton is an undeniably talented player, capable of dominating the glass and anchoring the interior with both power and finesse. Unfortunately, his postseason heroics have been balanced by multiple seasons of underwhelming performances on a non-contender.
During a recent appearance on Sedano & Kap on ESPN LA, Ayton addressed the concerns about his inconsistency and offered an explanation for his fluctuating success.
"When it comes to willingness — I’m willing to do anything for the team. The goal is winning, and that’s what slowed me down in the past. You haven’t seen that Finals version of me because the environments were focused on development — not winning. That’s why I’m here. I think I’m about to turn 27. It’s time for me to be back in the conversation about winning before this thing ends."
Those comments should have Lakers fans at least somewhat encouraged by what he could do in an environment that emphasizes winning over development.
Deandre Ayton attributes inconsistency to previous team's priorities
Ayton spent the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, during which time the team went 57-107. It improved from 21-61 in 2023-24 to 36-46 in 2024-25, but the emphasis being placed on personnel development generally outweighed the importance of short-term glory.
Prior to arriving in Portland, Ayton played five years with the Phoenix Suns—producing with volume and efficiency, and helping the team experience resounding success.
Phoenix reached the 2021 NBA Finals and won 64 games in 2021-22. Ayton played a significant role in their success, including a 2021 postseason run during which he averaged 15.8 points and 11.8 rebounds on 65.8 percent shooting from the field.
Ayton also averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds on 58.9 percent shooting during his final regular season in Phoenix, which epitomizes the appeal of his abilities.
The hope in Los Angeles appears to be that Ayton can get back to what he was doing in Phoenix—if not improve upon it. He has his entire prime ahead of him, as he'll turn 27 on July 23, which certainly inspires faith that he can deliver.
Ayton has also played off of high-level scorers and playmakers in the past, including Devin Booker and Chris Paul during the Suns' run to the NBA Finals.
With Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves running the offense, Ayton should have ample opportunity to succeed once again. He'll be an active inclusion in pick and roll sets, will be trusted to anchor the efforts to crash the glass, and should have post-up and face-up chances when the matchup calls for it.
If Ayton can put his money where his mouth is and raise his game in a win-first culture, then the Lakers will have landed one of the steals of the summer.