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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 26, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers made the decision to sign Deandre Ayton after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. He was brought in as a perceived upgrade at the center spot. Jaxon Hayes was moved back to a reserve role, which is where he started last season.
Ayton’s results have been mixed at best this season. There have been bouts of him not trying on the court and looking unengaged. His Clint Capela comments made him widely laughed at on the internet. Still, Los Angeles clearly needs Ayton to perform if they want to win a title.
After the Lakers won again against the Bulls, a stat came out that shows just how much they need Ayton.
The Lakers Win When Deandre Ayton is Engaged on the Court
A stat emerged that showed just how much Ayton is key to the Lakers winning games. When Ayton has 20+ points and 10+ rebounds, LA is 11-1. When he has 10+ points and 10+ rebounds, the Lakers are 17-3. Essentially, Los Angeles needs Ayton to rebound.
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Lakers’ record when Deandre Ayton has:
20+ PTS, 10+ REB: 11-1
10+ PTS, 10+ REB: 17-3
Ayton has always had a lot of talent; he just hasn’t applied it all of the time. Despite those stats when the team wins, Ayton doesn’t hit those marks enough. Ayton’s stats are down across the board from last season in Portland. Only his shooting percentage is better, and that’s because he gets to catch lobs from Luka Doncic.
When Ayton decides he wants to be really good on the court, the rest of the floor opens up for LA. He has the capability of being dominant at different points of the season when he really decides he wants to try to be engaged in the game.
Keeping Ayton engaged has been a challenge for JJ Redick all year long. Los Angeles has been playing some solid basketball lately, winning seven of their last eight games. That winning streak has boosted them up to third in the Western Conference standings.
Los Angeles Has More Problems Than Deandre Ayton
Getting Ayton to play at his full potential isn’t the only issue facing the Lakers. Finding a way for LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Doncic to all play well on the court together. That has been the main talk surrounding the team over the last few months.
Over this strong stretch of play, James hasn’t played in three of those games. It seems the team is playing better without him on the floor. These stats are fueling the rumors that James could leave Los Angeles once the season is over. He could decline his player option.
Despite the weird stretch of play without James on the court, the Lakers still have the eighth-best offense in the league. With the offense slowly getting better, LA has some belief that they can compete in the playoffs once they roll around, especially if they get home-court advantage.
Ayton has to be the best version of himself for everything to work, though. Keeping him ready to go is going to be one of the big challenges Redick has for the rest of the year.