NBA Executive Sends Message About Lakers Center Deandre Ayton

ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin shared a story that involved a Western Conference Executive expressing disbelief in Ayton’s ability to succeed with the Lakers (via ESPN). 

"I imagine Deandre's going to be a problem,” said the anonymous NBA executive. “He's just not smart enough of a player. And the inconsistent effort, LeBron usually has issues with, to say the least."

Based on his performance in previous seasons, this doesn’t seem like an irrational take on Ayton. It was evident he was not as emotionally invested in his later years with the Phoenix Suns or Trail Blazers as he is now with the Lakers. He even gave an emphatic response to a question in the locker room after Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The reporter asked, “How do you feel [about being a Laker],” to which Ayton responded, “I’m [expletive] excited.” Notably, McMenamin also shared comments from another NBA executive who had positive words to share.

"Ayton should benefit the most out of LeBron back," an Eastern Conference executive was quoted by McMenamin, pointing out the open looks the center will receive while playing alongside James, Doncic and Reaves. "LeBron makes people look good. [He'll feed Ayton] lobs and dump-offs at the rim." Interestingly, in their very first game together, James and Ayton connected for an alley-oop.

It’s only 15 games into the 2025-26 NBA season, but Ayton and the Lakers are off to a hot start at 11-4 and tied with the Denver Nuggets for second in the Western Conference. With James now back in the lineup, it wouldn’t be odd to see Ayton’s numbers increase even further with three players in the starting lineup averaging eight or more assists per game.