The Los Angeles Lakers made a big move in the 2025 offseason by bringing in a true center in Deandre Ayton. The addition was widely praised across the league, and many even believed that Ayton was the missing piece the Lakers needed in the frontcourt.
While Ayton flashed his upside early in the season and justified the initial excitement, his play has taken a noticeable dip in recent weeks. That downturn has drawn growing criticism, and now former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has publicly questioned Ayton’s effort and impact.
Kendrick Perkins Tears Into Deandre Ayton Over Lack of Effort
As the Lakers have struggled over the past few weeks, Ayton’s production has taken a noticeable dip. The veteran center has failed to reach double figures in three consecutive games, despite averaging nearly 20 minutes per contest.
Perkins believes Ayton’s struggles go beyond the box score, questioning his effort and engagement during a recent episode of the “Road Trippin” podcast.
“The s–t I’m witnessing from him right now is disturbing to watch him on the floor,” Perkins said. “He does nothing athletically, he’s not going to lunge for basketballs, he’s not going to make the extra effort – like I just don’t get it. Sooner or later, if I’m beefing with 10 people and I got a problem with 10 people and 10 people got a problem with me, it ain’t the 10 people that’s the damn problem. Sooner or later, I got to go check myself.”
The Lakers have been without Austin Reaves since Christmas, which has contributed to their recent struggles. The team remains strong on paper, but that hasn’t translated into consistent results, as Los Angeles entered Saturday having lost six of its previous nine games. Even in a 116–110 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Ayton managed just nine points.
“And just watching him, his body language… I could tell you this: We all played with LeBron James, boy, I know the signs when LeBron is off your a–, you ain’t even got to tell me,” Perkins continued. “I know the signs and it’s getting to that point. He just doesn’t play with any damn force. It’s a damn shame.”
For the season, Ayton is averaging just 13.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. For a former No. 1 overall pick who was expected to anchor the middle in Los Angeles, those numbers fall short of expectations. And while James may no longer wield significant influence over roster decisions, continued struggles could force the Lakers to explore changes ahead of the trade deadline.
Los Angeles currently sits at 27–17, fifth in the Western Conference. The team continues its road trip Monday against the Chicago Bulls and can’t afford to ease off the gas as the threat of slipping into the play-in picture looms.
