When Deandre Ayton was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the basketball world buzzed with lofty comparisons to legends like David Robinson and modern stars like Joel Embiid and DeMarcus Cousins. Seven seasons later, the 27-year-old center finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise with championship aspirations that may rest squarely on his ability to finally unlock that long-anticipated potential.
The 2018 draft class was a goldmine of talent, producing superstars like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Yet, it was Ayton who stood tallest on draft night, his name called first by the Phoenix Suns. However, while his peers have soared to All-Star and MVP-caliber heights, Ayton’s career has been defined by solid, yet underwhelming, performances relative to the expectations set for him. His stints with the Suns and later the Portland Trail Blazers saw flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and questions about his effort and mindset.
Now in Los Angeles, Ayton faces a make-or-break opportunity. The Lakers, a team with a storied history and a fanbase that demands excellence, acquired Ayton at a time when both he and the franchise are at a crossroads. The Suns and Blazers deemed him expendable, citing concerns that his talent didn’t outweigh his perceived lack of drive. Yet, at his introductory press conference with the Lakers, Ayton hinted at a renewed focus, signaling his awareness that this could be his last chance to redefine his career.
The Stakes for the 2025-26 Season
The Lakers’ championship hopes for the 2025-26 season hinge on multiple factors, but none may be as critical as Ayton’s performance. NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor emphasized this on a recent episode of his Yahoo! Sports podcast, calling Ayton the “biggest swing piece” on the Lakers’ roster. “It’s a big ‘prove it’ year for him,” O’Connor said. “They need Ayton to be his prime self for this team to really be truly in contending status.”
O’Connor pointed to Ayton’s time with the Suns as a glimpse of what he’s capable of. In Phoenix, particularly during the 2021 NBA Finals run, Ayton showcased elite finishing ability and flashes of defensive prowess. Guided by Chris Paul’s playmaking, Ayton thrived as a rim-running, lob-catching big man who could dominate the paint. Now paired with Luka Doncic in Los Angeles, Ayton has a playmaker of equal or greater caliber to set him up for success offensively. The question is whether he can rediscover the defensive intensity that made him a force in his early years.
Defensive Mindset: The Key to Redemption
While Ayton’s offensive game—marked by soft hands, fluid athleticism, and a reliable mid-range jumper—has rarely been the issue, his defensive impact has been inconsistent. At 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Ayton possesses the raw tools to be a game-changer on defense. His ability to switch onto guards, protect the rim, and rebound at an elite level was evident during his best moments in Phoenix. However, lapses in focus and effort have often undermined his potential.
For the Lakers, who are looking to compete with the NBA’s elite, Ayton’s defense will be the difference-maker. The team needs him to anchor the paint, deter drives, and clean the glass against formidable frontcourts like those of Denver, Minnesota, or Philadelphia. If Ayton can channel the defensive mindset he displayed in his prime Suns years, he could elevate the Lakers’ defense from average to elite, giving them a legitimate shot at contending.
A Perfect Fit in Los Angeles
Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles couldn’t have come at a better time. The Lakers boast a roster with star power in Doncic and LeBron James, complemented by a supporting cast hungry for a title. Doncic’s playmaking ability mirrors that of Chris Paul, offering Ayton countless opportunities for easy buckets via pick-and-rolls and lobs. Meanwhile, LeBron’s leadership and championship experience provide the perfect environment for Ayton to grow as a professional.
The Lakers’ system, under coach JJ Redick, emphasizes pace, spacing, and defensive versatility—areas where Ayton can thrive if he commits fully. Redick’s modern approach could unlock new dimensions of Ayton’s game, particularly his ability to stretch the floor with his jumper and protect the rim on the other end.
A Career-Defining Moment
No one expects Ayton to suddenly outshine Doncic or match the accolades of his 2018 draft classmates. However, he doesn’t need to. What the Lakers need is for Ayton to be the best version of himself—a reliable two-way center who can average 20 points and 10 rebounds while anchoring the defense. If he can deliver that, the Lakers could pull off a historic upset, contending for a championship in a loaded Western Conference.
For Ayton, the 2025-26 season is about more than just team success. It’s about proving he belongs among the NBA’s elite big men and shedding the “bust” label that has haunted him since his draft night. The tools are there, the opportunity is gift-wrapped, and the stage is set in Los Angeles. If Ayton can seize this moment, he could not only revive his career but also propel the Lakers to heights not seen since their 2020 championship.
The basketball world is watching. Will Deandre Ayton finally become the player he was destined to be? The Lakers’ championship dreams—and Ayton’s legacy—depend on it.