The Los Angeles Lakers could have a new look next season, with LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton possibly leading the way. After a disappointing playoff exit, the team made big moves in free agency, including signing Ayton to fill a major need at center. This decision has sparked debate among fans and analysts, who wonder if these changes can help the Lakers become true championship contenders again.
Deandre Ayton Joins Lakers Amid High Expectations and Doubts
Ayton, who stands 6’11”, agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers, according to The Athletic. The deal includes a player option for the second season. Ayton is expected to take over as the team’s starting center, a role that became available after Anthony Davis shifted to power forward last season. The Lakers hope Ayton’s size and skill will help them compete with the Western Conference’s top teams.
However, not everyone believes Ayton is the answer. Over the last two seasons, he missed a significant number of games and struggled with consistency. Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game, but he played in only 40 games. The year before, he appeared in just 55 games. Reports from his time with the Portland Trail Blazers highlighted concerns about his motivation and focus, with some sources noting issues like missed team flights and skipped rehab appointments.
On ESPN’s “First Take,” analyst David Dennis Jr. did not hold back his opinion about the signing.
“Okay, let’s start on the bright side here. The bright side is they have a center who’s better than Jackson Hayes, which means that they have a center, right? They have somebody who is going to play center minutes. That’s about the end of the bright side that I have for this Lakers team,” Dennis said. “This cannot be the move that you feel like is going to get you closer to a championship.”
“This cannot be the move that you feel like is going to get you closer to a championship.”
—@DavidDTSS isn’t sold on Deandre Ayton making the Lakers championship contenders pic.twitter.com/71oY7y59Jw
— First Take (@FirstTake) July 3, 2025
Dennis Jr. also pointed out Ayton’s past concerns, saying, “We know that there’s issues with motivation, with having his head screwed on straight. And you’re going to add that to an organization that is already sort of in flux right now with LeBron James and his statements that he’s made with Rich Paul and trying to keep Luka Dončić there and a second-year coach in JJ Redick.”
The Lakers finished last season with a 50–32 record but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. After another early exit, the front office decided to shake up the roster. In addition to Ayton, the Lakers added Jake LaRavia, who signed a two-year deal, and kept important players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
Dončić, who joined the Lakers last season, is seen as a cornerstone for the team’s future, and reports suggest he is looking forward to playing with Ayton.
Ayton’s arrival is part of a larger plan to build a team around Dončić and James, with new head coach JJ Redick leading the way. Redick, now in his second year, faces the challenge of blending new talent and personalities while keeping the Lakers in the hunt for another title. The team’s success will depend on Ayton’s ability to stay healthy, play consistent defense, and fit in with the Lakers’ stars.
Still, many, like Dennis Jr., remain skeptical. “Other than that, everything is great,” he said sarcastically. “But right now I have real concerns about what the Lakers are planning to do this offseason to make them anywhere better than what they had last year.”
The Blazers reportedly struggled with Ayton’s off-court behavior, including being late to team activities and showing frustration when benched. Now, the Lakers must manage these challenges as they try to get the most out of their new center. With a changing roster and high expectations, the team’s next steps will be closely watched by fans and the league.
