Deandre Ayton knows exactly what people are saying about him. Once the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, he was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone. Instead, his career has been defined by flashes of brilliance, stretches of inconsistency, and questions about his focus and work ethic. Now, entering his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Ayton is treating this opportunity as his last stand in the NBA, as he spoke on the Lakers media day:
“It’s the biggest opportunity I can say of my career. Some people say it’s my last leg, some people say it’s my last chance. This is an opportunity I can say I’m truly not going to take for granted. It’s almost like a wounded animal. I feel all the tension, and I know where I’m at. I’ve been in the gym every day.”
The “wounded animal” metaphor is telling. Deandre Ayton has heard the criticism from Phoenix to Portland, and now Los Angeles. In Portland, he put up solid numbers: 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 56.6 percent shooting in 40 games last season, but the Trail Blazers were unimpressed with his impact and ultimately bought him out. It left Ayton’s reputation hanging by a thread, with many around the league labeling this Lakers opportunity as his last chance to prove he belongs as a starter on a contender.
And it’s no ordinary stage. The Lakers signed Ayton to fill a glaring need at center following Anthony Davis’ trade to Dallas. Jaxson Hayes proved serviceable in spurts but was clearly better suited as a backup. Ayton will now slot in next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James, giving him arguably the best chance of his career to play meaningful basketball again.
The last time Ayton thrived in a similar role was with Chris Paul in Phoenix. His pick-and-roll chemistry with Paul during the Suns’ run to the 2021 NBA Finals showed how effective he can be with an elite playmaker.
With Doncic running the Lakers’ offense, Ayton expects to rediscover that form. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has already praised Ayton’s offseason commitment, noting that he has been in the gym every day. For Ayton, the setting matters as much as the work.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. After earning $35 million last season, Ayton signed with Los Angeles on a much smaller two-year, $8.1 million deal with a player option. His financial future hinges on his ability to prove he can anchor the middle for a team with championship aspirations.
For Deandre Ayton, this season isn’t just about silencing critics; it’s about survival. If he fails, his ‘last chance’ label may become reality. If he succeeds, the Lakers might finally have the center they’ve been missing.
