In the aftermath of Luka Dončić (left finger sprain, lower leg contusion) and LeBron James' (sciatica) rough injury news, the Los Angeles Lakers have still been able to scratch and claw for a few key wins.
Austin Reaves' incredible 34.2-point, 10.0-assist averages through the first five games of the 2025-26 NBA season have been recognized as the key reason why the Lakers are managing to keep their heads above water, but the contributions of summer free agent signing Deandre Ayton cannot be understated.
In fact, one NBA writer gave the 7-foot center his credit for a string of solid performances to begin the season, especially after bouncing back from a poor debut outing in a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.
"Ayton struggled in the Lakers' regular season opener, posting 10 points and six rebounds in 34 minutes," FanSided's Maxwell Ogden wrote Thursday.
"Beyond the numbers, he failed to make a positive impression as his late defensive rotations and lack of assertiveness on offense played a clear part in Los Angeles' 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors."
"The inevitable result was a slew of analysts from every corner of the NBA world dissecting Ayton's fit with the Lakers and questioning if he could be the player they need."
"Ayton all but silenced the negativity in the remaining of the Lakers' first five games of the 2025-26 season."
In his first five outings with the Lakers, Ayton has contributed 16.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while sinking 62.3% of his attempts from the field.
The 27-year-old center's production becomes even more impressive once his opponents from their first five contests have been taken into account.
Ayton has already had to face the Minnesota Timberwolves' 4-time Defensive Player of the Year center Rudy Gobert twice, and he averaged 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds spanning those two eventual victories over a formidable defensive opponent.
Moving forward, it's likely that Ayton may begin to receive more favor from Lakers fans and media personalities alike after breaking out for a few critical performances to begin his tenure with the storied franchise.
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