Deandre Ayton has hit a dangerous zone of underperformance during the Lakers' road trip, and that might prompt Los Angeles to consider the center position as a potential area for an upgrade before the February 5 trade deadline.
Los Angeles Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton posted six points, two rebounds, and a -15 plus/minus ranking over 22 minutes against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. His recent performances have been concerning.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
"I think we're hitting a dangerous place with Deandre Ayton," NBA reporter Jovan Buha said. "I would say I'm probably at DEFCON 3. I might be approaching DEFCON 2. Not quite at DEFCON 2 yet, but we're getting there.
"15 minutes against Denver – okay, he gets poked in the eye. 21 minutes against the Clippers. 24 against Dallas. 22 against Chicago," Buha noted. "Four straight games, single digits. Only one of those games, double-figure rebounds. Zero steals on the trip, two blocks on the trip, zero assists on the trip, two turnovers.
"Just not playing with any force or joy," the insider went on to say. "Just sort of looks like he's going through the motions. And I don't think he's going to play like this the rest of the season. I would be pretty stunned if this is how it goes."
So far this season, Ayton is averaging 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds over 40 starts.
"The job description was screen, roll, dive, offensive rebound, finish, protect the rim, potentially switch out a little bit if the Lakers are going to more switching schemes," Buha explained. "Like that was the role. And all of those areas have taken a nosedive here recently. ... I don't think this is going to be the new normal. I think he will bounce back to a degree."
Credit AP - Scanpix
Ayton's dip has come during the four-game road trip and coincides with the period of the February 5 trade deadline.
"My priority at the deadline for the Lakers remains a 3-and-D wing who could be that fifth starter, be the primary closer, and be playing 30-plus minutes," Buha noted. "But if they can't get that guy and it's just a bunch of bench wings, I think you have to look at the center spot right now as a potential upgrade."
While the Lakers continue searching for a 3-and-D wing to improve defense and athleticism, big men are reportedly interested in joining the team just to play alongside Luka Doncic.
Last offseason, Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers, including an $8.1 million player option for next season.
The Lakers are currently 28-17 in the 2025-26 season.
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