NBA expert claims LA Lakers star was actually on same level as Nikola Jokic last season but ‘nobody paid attention’

Jason McIntyre thinks Ayton’s performance went unnoticed

Ayton spent two years as part of the Portland Trail Blazers before moving to the Lakers in free agency this offseason.

He averaged 16.7 points and 11.1 RPG in his first season, but that dipped to 14.4 PPG and 10.2 RPG in his second year.

The 26-year-old did not want to be in Portland, as there were reports of him missing practices and being late to flights as well.

However, McIntyre stated despite all his antics, Ayton delivered good numbers, which should create a lot of excitement among Lakers fans.

He said: “Ayton’s a malcontent, he would come out of games and slam chairs down, he would be late to rehabs.

“This is how much Deandre Ayton hated it in Portland, he forfeited $10 million to get out of town.

“Let’s just say Deandre Ayton through his first seven seasons is kind of sorta top eight centers in the league? Look at these stats right here, 15 and 10 and 50% shooting in the last seven seasons.

“Jokic is an MVP, Giannis is an MVP, AD’s All-NBA, Joel Embiid has an MVP, these are all great players. Deandre Ayton is in that class with them. He just obviously was in Portland so no one paid attention.”

Deandre Ayton can revitalize his career with the Lakers

Ayton enjoyed the best year of his career when Chris Paul was his teammate in Phoenix.

In the two years he played with CP3, Ayton averaged 14.4 PPG and 17.2 PPG respectively.

He was a lob threat and made life difficult for opposing defenders with his offensive brilliance.

When he joins the Lakers, Ayton will play alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who are arguably two of the greatest passers in the NBA.

James and Doncic both excel alongside players who can catch lobs, which is something Ayton has proven in the past.

He has already expressed excitement about teaming up with Doncic in his introductory press conference.

The Lakers also struggled on the boards last season and Ayton is someone who has averaged over 10 rebounds for his career.

He will help improve their offense in the paint, and also be a menace on the boards.

The Lakers still need to add more defense at the center position, as Jaxson Hayes and Ayton are both not reliable on that end of the floor.

Despite his defensive shortcomings, Ayton is a great signing for the Lakers as he can dominate offensively and consistently contribute with a double-double, something the team has lacked since the departure of Anthony Davis.