The Los Angeles Lakers' massive hole at the five still exists, despite adding Deandre Ayton this offseason. The former number one overall pick was dumped by the Blazers after they were 5.1 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the bench last season. This signing has blowup potential, and the only other center on their roster is Jaxson Hayes. The problem could be just as bad, if not worse, in Luka Doncic’s first full season in Los Angeles.
Ayton is arguably the Lakers' most talented center in the LeBron era, but that is a low bar to clear if Anthony Davis is viewed as a four. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 30.2 minutes per game last season, but it is not all about the counting stats. The Lakers need him to be a productive roll man and rim protector. There are questions about Ayton’s ability to do both.
The games played are also a question. He has appeared in 58 games or fewer in four of his seven NBA seasons and never more than 71 in a year. Ayton will miss time. In those contests, the Lakers' only options are Hayes and going small. Fans saw the issues that creates last season after the trade for Doncic.
Lakers did not solve their center issues
If Ayton struggles to protect the rim and anchor the defense, the Lakers will be in trouble. Austin Reaves and Luka are below-average defenders. LA added Marcus Smart to give them a perimeter defensive boost, but his health is questionable. The Lakers could struggle on that end of the floor and leave head coach JJ Redick with nowhere to turn.
Ayton helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 and made three straight playoff appearances in Phoenix. He hasn’t been back in the last two years as the Blazers rebuilt, but Ayton’s defensive struggles and desire for touches played a central role in Portland's struggles. The seven-footer must accept his place on the Lakers and be willing to do the little things to help them succeed.
The Lakers' center woes will be a talking point throughout the season. Hayes can’t play in the playoffs, so LA will have to go small for stretches. If Ayton’s struggles continue, it may be their only option when the games matter most. That will be a disaster, especially in matchups against a bruising big man.
The front office needed to do more. Ayton will play 30 minutes per game, but the answers for the remaining 18 are questionable. Hayes will finish lobs from Luka, but his defensive issues played him off the floor in the postseason. It immediately turns into a nightmare if Ayton struggles.
The Los Angeles Lakers must solve their center position as soon as possible. Luka Doncic did not get his wish this offseason. Expect it to be the top priority in the 2026 offseason as LA looks to build a true title contender around their newest superstar. Fans who think they already answered it are in for a rude awakening. It will be a massive problem again.