What’s ‘not good enough’ from Deandre Ayton for LA Lakers’ championship ambitions, Mychal Thompson explains

Mychal Thompson says LA Lakers’ championship hopes comes down to Deandre Ayton

Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game for the Portland Trail Blazers. While those numbers were solid, Ayton still needs to do better.

At least, that’s what Lakers legend Mychal Thompson said during a recent episode of Hoops Talk with Allen Silwa.

“It comes down to Deandre Ayton and how bad he wants it. If he wants to be an All-Star caliber center, he might not make the All-Star team, but if he wants to play at that level, the Lakers will be a serious threat to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder next year,” Thompson said.

He added: “But if he comes in and puts up 12 and 8, 13 and 8, no, that’s not good enough. If Deandre wants to take up his game to 20 points, 12 rebounds a game type of center, the Lakers could contend for a championship.”

For the Lakers, the majority of the scoring burden will be carried by James and Doncic. However, Thompson wants Ayton to be the third star on most nights, and that too, on both ends of the floor.

Deandre Ayton is a combination of two NBA legends, says Mychal Thompson

When Ayton entered the league, he was touted as the next Shaquille O’Neal. However, O’Neal didn’t want Ayton to follow in his footsteps.

Considering Ayton has already played in seven NBA seasons, fans and media alike now have a much better idea about the 27-year-old’s ceiling.

Speaking of which, Thompson believes that Ayton, at his best, is a combination of David Robinson and Robert Parish.

“He’s a combination David Robinson and Robert Parish. He can do it all. He can block shots. He might not be as good as those two, obviously,” Thompson continued.

“… But he has those kinds of skills on offense and defense. He’s got to get that Kevin Garnett-type motor,” Thompson added.

In conclusion, Thompson has high hopes for Ayton, but he wants the Lakers center to show up with a much-improved work ethic during the 2025-26 NBA season.