In the aftermath of the Deandre Ayton trade, Lakers fans are feeling pretty good about their chances to make a run next season. NBA legend Paul Pierce, however, is unconvinced that Ayton will make a significant difference. According to Pierce, the Lakers are only a second-round playoff team as presently constructed.
“He definitely fills a need for the Lakers, but I’m not sure if he’s the answer in winning a championship,” said Pierce on ‘Speak.’ “If you would have told me they’re getting the Joker or Antetokounmpo, then I would have been like ‘Oh they should be the favorites’ but since they’re still trying to find a guy who is still trying to find his way in the NBA, he’s been on multiple teams, this being his third team in six years being the number one pick and not really finding a home. I’m not sure how much he pushes the needle. So what’s the Lakers’ ceiling with Deandre Ayton? I think they’re still in need of more athleticism and more defense on the perimeter. I think they’re a second-round ceiling.”
Everything changed for the Lakers after the acquisition of Luka Doncic in February. The deal simultaneously shifted the team’s timeline and their balance of power. Overnight, the Lakers became Luka’s team, and Rob Pelinka scrambled to get him a worthy center.
It wasn’t until the acquisition of Deandre Ayton this July that the Lakers finally found their man. As a former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton has the potential to change the entire trajectory of the Lakers, and he’s probably one of the most naturally gifted centers that Luka will get to play with.
With career averages of 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, he has solid stats and great size with the potential to dominate games under the rim. Since his arrival in Los Angeles, he has shown a renewed dedication to winning as JJ Redick, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic have vowed to bring out the best in him.
The only problem is that Ayton has a long history of disappointment. Despite carrying big expectations out of college (and after the draft), he failed to get it done in Phoenix and left on bad terms with the organization after a brutal playoff defeat at the hands of the Nuggets. From the start, critics recognized his poor work ethic, weak defensive effort, and lack of focus from game to game.
Things only got worse once he was traded to the Trail Blazers. Even on a team with no pressure to succeed, Ayton couldn’t find his place. As his stats dipped on the court, his immaturity in the locker room was driving teammates away, and it ultimately led to his exit from the franchise after just two seasons.
If the Lakers are going to compete with the likes of the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Thunder, they’ll need more than raw talent—they’ll need buy-in, maturity, and defensive grit from their big man. Paul Pierce isn’t the only one questioning whether Ayton can deliver that. For now, the pressure is on. Ayton has another fresh start and a chance to change the narrative. The only question is, will he?
