‘The Lakers might be good for him’… James Worthy urges Rob Pelinka to secure signing of free agent

James Worthy believes Deandre Ayton hasn’t ‘reached his potential yet’

Being the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the expectations for Ayton were to become a superstar in the league.

However, Ayton never reached that ceiling, and the Phoenix Suns parted ways with him in 2023. Even with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton hardly cleared his image as his tenure with the franchise came to an end following a contract buyout.

Now, Ayton is viewed as a desperate target for the LA Lakers, who are on the hunt for a starting-caliber center for the upcoming season. Worthy gave his two cents on Ayton potentially joining the team.

“I’ve heard from GMs that you really don’t start peaking in your career until 28, 29. This may be a good move for him,” Worthy said on the Lakeshow podcast.

He added: “I don’t think he’s really reached his potential yet, but coming to a city where they demand that you play well and play up to your potential. I think he’s ready.”

For context, Ayton has averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game for his career while shooting a solid 59.6% from the field.

Playing with Luka Doncic and LeBron James will benefit Deandre Ayton, says James Worthy

If the Lakers go ahead with signing Ayton, the biggest worry for fans is Ayton’s work ethic. After all, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins claimed that Ayton has been labeled as a ‘diva’ around the league.

Despite that worry, Worthy believes playing alongside the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James will do more good than harm for Ayton.

“When you come and play with Lebron or Luka, it’s like you come to play with Magic [Johnson] or Michael [Jordan], you better damn step it up. Your work habits better be good. And I think he knows the book on him.

“You know, not consistent. I don’t want to say soft, but not tough enough to block shots and be physical. And I think you know his time in his career, he’s got to make a point to himself,” Worthy continued.

“And I think coming to the Lakers might be good for him,” he concluded.

Playing under the bright lights of LA is not every NBA player’s cup of tea. However, at the same time, it can make a player’s career.

Considering Ayton will turn 27 years old during next season, he is at the perfect point in his career to clear his image as a locker room diva and pave a path to a memorable legacy during the rest of his time in the NBA.