Deandre Ayton Looks to Shut Skeptics Up

Ayton likely could have landed in numerous other cities, but the Lakers ultimately won the race and secured the center they desperately needed. This is undoubtedly the most anticipated Lakers season since the 2019-20 NBA title-winning campaign. 

Head Coach JJ Redick is coming off an impressive 50-32 regular season record in his first campaign in charge. Fans who want to bet on the Los Angeles Lakers to go even deeper into the postseason will want to find the best provider out there that offers access to a very attractive Underdog Fantasy promo code as well.

Ayton’s reported two-year deal is said to be worth $16.6 million, and he will earn a total of $33.7 million this season, comprising $8.1 million from the Lakers’ salary and $25.6 million from Portland for the buyout.

While Ayton may well be the right man for the job, he suffered a calf strain in February and has not played since. Nonetheless, he’ll surely be reared and ready to go.

Ayton Looks to Shut Skeptics Up

Former Lakers star Mychal Thompson has been effusive in his praise (and realism) of Ayton, commenting on the potential new addition in an interview with Sportskeeda.

“He’s an All-Star talent, but he has to do it over an 82-game schedule and do it consistently. So I don’t blame people for being a little bit skeptical about him. But I have faith in him. I know he’s going to prove to everybody how good he is.” 

“He’s the perfect partner for Luka [Doncic] in the high screen and roll, and the high lobs and throwing it in the post,” Thompson added. “That’s what I like about D.A. – he’s not just a screen-and-roll center. You can throw the ball in the post, and he can score with his back to the basket. He has top-10 center skills. I think he’s going to be much more motivated to show his skills and all-around ability more consistently now that he’s with the Lakers.”

With the attacking talents of Ayton to go along with Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James, offense won’t appear to be a problem for the Lakers in 2025-26, but there may well remain concerns about their defensive setup.

Ayton was the overall first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and he spent five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, playing a key role in their run to the 2021 NBA Finals, which they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

He was traded to Portland in September 2023, where things did not pan out very well. So when you hear about reported poor body language and effort during his time in PDX, you can understand the general skepticism.

Perhaps another change of scenery to Los Angeles will unlock his obvious potential.