Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is no stranger to scrutiny. Selected ahead of All-Stars and MVP candidates like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Brunson, Ayton has carried the weight of lofty expectations throughout his career. Now, as he embarks on his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 27-year-old center is embracing the pressure with a mindset he describes as that of a “wounded animal.”
A Career Under the Microscope
Ayton’s career has been a mix of promise and frustration. A consistent double-double threat, he’s averaged 16.4 points and 10.4 rebounds over seven NBA seasons, showcasing his efficiency as an interior scorer and rebounder. His standout moment came in 2021, when he played a key role in helping the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals. However, questions about his work ethic and durability have persisted, with critics pointing to his failure to play 70 games in any season and his time on underperforming teams like the Portland Trail Blazers.
Last season, his second with Portland, Ayton posted 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, solid but unspectacular numbers for a player of his pedigree. Now, with a fresh start in Los Angeles, Ayton is determined to silence doubters and prove he belongs among the league’s elite.
Embracing the Lakers’ Title-or-Bust Mentality
The Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, operate under a championship-or-nothing ethos. For Ayton, joining a roster featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis represents the most talented team he’s ever played on. At the Lakers’ media day, he spoke candidly about the stakes.
“It’s the biggest opportunity I can say of my career,” Ayton said. “Some people say it’s my last leg, some people say it’s my last chance. This is an opportunity 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” analogy may raise eyebrows, but it underscores the desperation and hunger driving Ayton as he enters this pivotal season. He’s acutely aware of the skepticism surrounding him, with fans and analysts questioning whether he can live up to the expectations that come with playing for a franchise like the Lakers. Yet, Ayton insists he’s exactly where he wants to be.
“I’m happy as a player, as myself, to get a chance to prove something big on a big stage,” he said, emphasizing his readiness to embrace the challenge.
A New Role, A New Mindset
Ayton is the frontrunner to start at center for the Lakers, a role he’s held throughout his career. However, this season feels different. After playing alongside stars like Chris Paul and Devin Booker in Phoenix, Ayton now finds himself surrounded by even greater talent in Los Angeles. He’s drawing inspiration from his new teammates, particularly LeBron James, whose work ethic and aura have left an impression.
“Being around guys and great athletes like Luka and LeBron, just embracing that and feeling that aura and being a part of it, it makes me want to work even harder,” Ayton said. “It’s helping me embrace everything even more.”
For the first time, Ayton seems focused on prioritizing team success over individual accolades. This shift in mindset comes at a critical juncture. After earning $35 million last season with Portland, Ayton signed a modest two-year deal with the Lakers worth $8.1 million per season, with a player option after the first year. A standout season could position him for a lucrative contract in free agency, but Ayton knows he has a long way to go to prove himself.
Ayton’s journey with the Lakers won’t be easy. The team’s championship aspirations mean every game carries weight, and Ayton will need to stay healthy and consistent to solidify his role. His history of missing games—never playing more than 67 in a season—remains a concern, as does his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations.
Still, Ayton’s self-awareness and willingness to confront his challenges head-on suggest he’s ready to turn the page. His “wounded animal” mindset reflects a player who feels the urgency of the moment and is determined to seize it.
As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Ayton to see if he can harness his fury and deliver the kind of impact the Lakers need. For a player who’s spent much of his career under scrutiny, this season represents a chance to rewrite his narrative—and he’s ready to fight for it.