The Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in a familiar predicament heading into the 2024-25 season. Without a true center, they forced Anthony Davis into an uncomfortable role at the five, despite his obvious preference to play power forward.
While Jaxson Hayes provided depth and an increased role following Davis’ trade to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers knew they needed something more substantial if they wanted to compete for a championship.
That’s when Rob Pelinka made his move. After a typically lengthy negotiation process that has become the Lakers’ trademark, the franchise signed Deandre Ayton this offseason. However, the big man’s arrival came with significant baggage from his controversial exit in Portland.
Can Deandre Ayton Silence His Critics With the Lakers?
The central question surrounding Ayton isn’t about his talent, but rather his commitment and mentality. While he may not possess All-Star credentials, the 7-footer has shown flashes of the work ethic necessary to succeed at the highest level. His recent social media activity suggests he’s taking this opportunity seriously.
Ayton recently shared a workout update on Instagram that caught the attention of Lakers fans and critics alike.
The image shows Ayton displaying his ripped physique, apparently after a training session at the Lakers’ facility. For a player who has faced questions about his dedication, this visual statement carries significant weight. It suggests he’s committed to proving his doubters wrong through preparation and conditioning.
Those doubters include some prominent voices in basketball media. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has been particularly vocal about his concerns regarding Ayton’s professionalism. The analyst criticized the center’s behavior during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Perkins said, “The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton. The Portland Trail Blazers were happy as hell that they got to this point with him. Right now, he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room, and if I’m Deandre Ayton, I gotta have a moment.”
Breaking: Deandre Ayton is finalizing a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers to become a free agent, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/DNYcNqRvkW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
The circumstances surrounding Ayton’s departure from Portland only added fuel to these criticisms. The Trail Blazers bought out his contract despite $35.6 million remaining through the 2026 season, suggesting they prioritized his removal over financial considerations.
Beyond the locker room concerns, Ayton also dealt with injury issues during his final season in Portland. A strained calf limited him to just 40 games, though he still managed to produce solid numbers when healthy. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, proving his on-court value remains intact.
Now Ayton faces a crucial opportunity to reshape his narrative. The Lakers provide him with elite playmakers in LeBron James and Luka Dončić, players who can maximize his effectiveness in the paint.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both player and franchise. After disappointing stints with both Phoenix and Portland, Ayton needs to prove he can contribute to winning basketball at the highest level. For the Lakers, this signing represents their attempt to build a championship-caliber roster around their aging superstars.
