Dec 19, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) scores a basket during the first half against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

'This Could Possibly His Last Shot' – Los Angeles Lakers’ New Signing Receives Stern Warning From Kendrick Perkins

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 7:53 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers recently signed free agent Deandre Ayton to a two-year deal following his surprising buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, and the move has drawn mixed reactions from the fans and pundits.

According to former NBA player-turned-ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, Ayton must not take his new opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers for granted since he believes this is his last chance to compete at a high level.

“He better come in with the right mindset because this could possibly be his (Deandre Ayton) last shot,” Perkins said on the Road Trippin’ Show. “You got your hands full. So, this should be a moment where you go in and check yourself and say, you know what? I’m about to lock in.”

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

“You gotta go out there and produce at a high level, and you gotta do the little things because you cannot fool this Lakers organization or the Lakers fanbase or the Lakers’ gracious because they’re gonna call you out,” he concluded.

Los Angeles Lakers reportedly believe they can bring the best out of Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton is expected to be the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting center next season, which is a huge responsibility. While the former first overall pick has a history of underachieving, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly relishing the challenge of maximizing his potential.

Utah Jazz Vs Portland Trail Blazers Odds, Picks, Moneyline NBA 2024-25 Pre-Season 10/18/2024 2 Dec 14, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) shoots the ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

“Team sources believe the Lakers have the right coaching staff to make that happen. In JJ Redick, they have a deadly serious head coach who also understands how to relate to players,” Dan Woike wrote in his The Athletic column.

“Assistant Scott Brooks worked with Ayton in Portland two years ago, and Nate McMillan has either played or coached with or against virtually every personality type the NBA’s ever concocted. And if not, the Lakers have maintained their flexibility for next summer and beyond,” he added.