Deandre Ayton’s first appearance in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey didn’t light up the scoreboard, but it did send a clear message about what he wants his identity to be on this team. Following his preseason debut against the Phoenix Suns, his former team, ` Ayton made it known that defense, not offense, is where he plans to make his mark.
“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end, more than the offense … I’m not here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do.”
The statement came after a quiet statistical night from the former No. 1 overall pick. Ayton finished with just one point on 0-of-2 shooting, adding eight rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and four turnovers in a 103-81 loss to Phoenix. Though far from an ideal debut, the performance reflected a shift in mindset for a player who has long been criticized for inconsistency and effort.
Ayton’s defensive engagement stood out, even as his offense sputtered. He was active in rim protection, rotated well in pick-and-roll coverages, and contested several midrange shots. His two blocks were the highlight of his stat line, a reminder that when locked in, Ayton can be a legitimate defensive anchor.
Still, the night wasn’t without drama.
Early in the first quarter, Ayton missed a simple hook shot over Suns forward Oso Ighodaro — and former teammate Devin Booker couldn’t resist trolling him from the sideline, shouting “Hell nah!” as the shot rimmed out. It was a playful but pointed jab from Booker, who had often challenged Ayton’s intensity during their years together in Phoenix.
Booker’s words echoed an old frustration. During his Suns tenure, Ayton’s talent was never in question, but his motor often was. Even after being traded from Phoenix to Portland in 2023, and now to Los Angeles, that reputation has followed him. But with the Lakers, Ayton insists he’s ready to redefine his narrative.
This summer, Ayton signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract, a deal widely seen as a “prove-it” opportunity. The Lakers, who acquired him as part of their offseason retooling around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, believe Ayton’s defensive potential could be the missing piece in their frontcourt.
Head coach JJ Redick has emphasized defensive discipline and communication throughout training camp, and Ayton appears eager to buy in.
For a player once seen as a franchise cornerstone in Phoenix, that’s a humbler tone than fans are used to hearing — but it might be exactly what Ayton needs.
In Portland last season, Deandre Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 10.8 rebounds but struggled with efficiency and focus. Now, with the Lakers emphasizing structure and accountability, the hope is that his defensive commitment will become the foundation for everything else.
The offense can wait. The Lakers have enough scorers. What they need is a center who defends like every possession matters. If Deandre Ayton keeps that same energy, his second act in Los Angeles might finally be the one that defines his career.
