The Lakers Are Getting a Very Different Deandre Ayton
When the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton, it instantly filled the most glaring hole the team had. Last year’s squad ultimately had an obvious ceiling due to the lack of legitimate size.
The Lakers landed the best center they’ve had in a decade (outside of Anthony Davis), but the move was still met with backlash. Through stats and pedigree, you’d think that everyone would be excited.
For those who follow closely, it’s known that throughout his career, Ayton has struggled with his ‘motor’ at times. For as excited as some fans are, there is a reason the Portland Trailblazers pulled a Colin Cowherd and said, “We’re good, bro.”
Receiving criticism over several years can make or break a player, and at 26, it’s make or break for Ayton. On Tuesday, during his introductory press conference for the Lakers, Deandre Ayton had some very encouraging words about the upcoming season.
Deandre Ayton Has Big Plans With Lakers
During his press conference, Deandre Ayton shared that he’s ready to show a new version of himself.
Ayton on being fueled by criticism and doubt over the past few years: “Most definitely. It fuels me. It fuels me up completely. And it’s a different type of drive that I’ve been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing, here in the Purple and Gold.…
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 8, 2025
Ayton goes on to say, “And it’s a platform that I cannot run from. I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well. It is a lot of fuel in me to prove to the whole world.”
After touching on his own motivation for the upcoming season, Ayton discussed the results of Luka Doncic’s motivation.
Deandre Ayton on playing with fellow 2018 draftee Luka Doncic on the Lakers: “Luka is a once-in-a-generation player and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped and I’m finally glad to be on his side”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 8, 2025
For the Lakers to have two young players with that kind of hunger is special. They both possess immense talent and have much to prove; Los Angeles is the perfect place to prove it.
He is very much looking forward to playing with both Doncic and LeBron James. When discussing playing with Doncic and James, Ayton was beaming with excitement.
“They both average about 9 assists over their career span, and just the type of players they create with their teammates. They turn them into superstars, they make them bigger than their roles, they make them very important on the floor. Just seeing that and finally getting the chance to go in and experience that would be big for me. Just getting me back to my full form of how I used to play, you know, coming up and being a part of the (NBA) Finals. It’s those playmakers I’m used to having around me that’s leading to wins.”
If LeBron and Luka can bring out the best version of Ayton, the Lakers’ starting five will be dominant.
Talk can be cheap, and in Los Angeles, Ayton will undoubtedly have to prove it before everyone buys in. Despite that, he did have one quote that I found to be the most important. “We want to win a championship right now.”
We’re all patiently awaiting to see if he can overcome his past in LA.
