“I’m the Anchor of the Defense”: Deandre Ayton Vows to Redefine His Image as Lakers’ 7-Foot Enforcer 1 Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

'Is He Really Going to Roll?' – Former Los Angeles Lakers Guard Questions Deandre Ayton’s Fit With the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 7:02 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton this offseason to bolster their frontcourt depth, but not many are sold on the idea that the former No. 1 overall pick is the long-term solution at the center position.

Former league MVP Steve Nash expressed skepticism about Ayton’s fit with the Los Angeles Lakers, as the Arizona product’s skill set doesn’t exactly complement Luka Doncic’s play style.

“Is he really going to roll to the basket? Because it doesn’t really help the Lakers or Luka help the Lakers if he wants to pop or if he wants to slow down, you know, in the short role and become a playmaker,” Nash said about Ayton on The Zach Lowe Show.

Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“Like, they really need him to want to be a little more dynamic, get in and out, get above the rim, be a vertical threat just to draw the defense, to ask questions so that Luka can do what he does and make the rest of that team better because they’re going to have problems defensively,” he added.

Los Angeles Lakers News: JJ Redick gives injury update on young center

Jaxson Hayes injured his wrist during the Los Angeles Lakers’ final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, which they lost 117-116. According to head coach JJ Redick, the X-rays on Hayes’ wrist were negative.

Mar 27, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers center had a strong performance when he was on the court in the first half against the Sacramento Kings. He left the game with six points and four rebounds in eight minutes of action.

The Los Angeles Lakers will now have three full days off before they open their 2025-26 campaign against the Golden State Warriors. If Hayes doesn’t make it by then, Deandre Ayton will likely start.