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'I’m Not Sure He’s the Answer' – Los Angeles Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Signing Draws Valid Concerns From Paul Pierce
Dec 26, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots the ball over Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Paul Pierce is not too excited about the Los Angeles Lakers acquisition of Deandre Ayton. The former NBA All-Star expected more from the Los Angeles Lakers, but the team has had a relatively quiet summer thus far.

While Ayton fills a much-needed void at center for the Los Angeles Lakers, Pierce believes they are a few more moves away from being a legitimate championship contender next season.

“If you had told me they were getting the Joker or Antetokounmpo. Then, I’d think, ‘Oh, they should be the favorites.’ But since they’re getting a guy who’s still trying to find his way in the NBA, he’s been on multiple teams, this being his third team in I believe in six years of being the No. 1 pick, and not really, yet, finding a home, I’m not sure how much he pushes the needle,” Pierce said on FS1’s Speak.


Feb 3, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) high-fives fans after helping secure a 121-119 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

“Yes, he can bring some intangibles that they need,” Pierce added. “A shotblocker, a lob threat, and a big guy in the middle are all things that the Lakers needed. So, to answer your question, 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.”

Los Angeles Lakers News: Deandre Ayton drops strong response to his critics

During his introductory press conference, Deandre Ayton said he is determined to win a championship for the Los Angeles Lakers, and he didn’t hesitate to address the criticism he has faced throughout his NBA career.


Denver Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji Reveals the Secret Behind Jamal Murray's 55-Point Explosion in Win Vs. Portland Trail Blazers 1 Dec 19, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles the ball during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

“It fuels me. It fuels me up completely. And it’s a different type of drive that I’ve been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold,” Ayton said via Khobi Price on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“And it’s a platform I cannot run from. I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well. It is a lot of fuel in me to prove to the whole world,” he added.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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