It is an important game for the Mavericks, especially with Davis set to make his return to the lineup after dealing with a calf injury. His expected primary defender, DeAndre Ayton, is also back for the Lakers after missing an NBA game due to his own injury issue. Following the Lakers’ Friday morning shootaround, Ayton spoke candidly about the challenge of guarding Davis, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. His remarks reflected both respect and strategic awareness.

“You don’t want to foul him. AD is a great shot-maker. It takes the whole team to guard him,” Ayton said. “You treat him like a Giannis Antetokounmpo, you treat him like Nikola Jokic, like all the other superstars in this league where you need the whole team to be a presence in front of them. Try to throw two at him if anything. One man can’t really guard him.” His comments highlighted the level of collective effort required to slow a player of Davis’ caliber.

Ayton continued to explain the defensive approach the Lakers must adopt if they want to limit Davis’ effectiveness. “Try to throw two at him as much as possible, try to get the ball out of his hands early, not let him get to his spots,” he said. “He’s gonna face up and get to the mid-range, try not to foul him. Give him hard looks. He’s gonna do his thing, but just try your best to give him hard looks and get the ball out of his hands. I love to compete. Competing is fun, and seeing him out there is going to bring another competitive type of spirit.” His statements reflected both respect and anticipation for the individual battle.

Both players are dealing with uncertainty ahead of the matchup

Anthony Davis has been limited to only five games this season for the Mavericks due to lingering injuries. On the other side, Ayton has taken over as the Lakers’ starting center after the team moved on from Davis, solidifying his place in the rotation. He missed the Lakers’ win against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in the week but clarified that his knee issue was not expected to be a long-term concern.

“It was just a little bruising, really. Stuff I could play through,” Ayton explained. “It’s not really something stopping me from playing. It hurts, but it’s something I can play through. Shootaround went pretty smoothly as well — I didn’t have any knick-knacks or uncomfortableness.” His comments suggested he was prepared to take on the physical challenge Davis would bring to the matchup.

Ayton has delivered solid production for the Lakers this season, averaging 15.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game. However, the overall impact he provides does not match the level Anthony Davis once delivered for the Lakers. For that reason, Ayton’s remark that the Lakers have “been missing that interior presence for a long time” did not paint the full picture.

“I don’t think he’s a cancer…I don’t even think he know what that mean. There’s a selfishness to it, I don’t think it necessarily make you a cancer. It’s just a selfishness aspect… Now you got Luka (Doncic) and LeBron. Two guys that are young to demand more out of you… You can act like a fool in Portland. Ain’t no body hearing about it… With this market (Los Angeles) he has no wiggle room,” Olden Polynice said, via Byron Scott’s Fast Break.

With his statement, Olden is not seeking to justify Deandre, but rather to make it clear that arriving as a star in Phoenix and Portland did not help him at all, as he had no pressure and was not in the right environment. Now, Ayton joins the Lakers, a franchise known for its high expectations, not as a star, but with a mission to revitalize his NBA career. Additionally, the 27-year-old player could be motivated by the challenge, which promises to push him to step up his game.

Deandre Ayton faces a career-transformative challenge with Luka Doncic’s Lakers

Deandre Ayton, at 27, is poised for a potential career-defining season. Despite past seasons of underwhelming performances, he steps into a pivotal role with the Lakers, a team in urgent need of a strong center. This opportunity could be transformative, especially as he joins forces with stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, renowned for elevating their teammates’ play. Ayton’s impact could be crucial in meeting the high expectations placed on this roster.

Throughout his seven-year career, Luka Doncic has consistently elevated average centers on the Mavericks, turning players like Christian Wood, Dwight Powell, and Dereck Lively II into standouts. With his exceptional talent and physical prowess, Deandre Ayton could reach his true potential if he follows a similar path. However, his success hinges on maintaining his health and avoiding scandals, much like Doncic and LeBron James have managed to do.

To secure his spot on JJ Redick’s roster, Deandre Ayton must elevate his defensive performance, an often criticized aspect of his career. With Luka’s contributions lacking in this domain and the team’s defensive struggles, any positive offensive impact risks being overshadowed by defensive lapses. At 27, Ayton faces a challenging yet enticing opportunity to solidify his value and become a well-rounded asset.

Having addressed their most pressing offseason needs, the Lakers now look to Ayton to step up. Speaking on Hoop Talk with Allen Sliwa, Thompson shared his thoughts on what it means to wear the purple and gold and issued a public challenge to Ayton as he enters his first season with the franchise.

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

Thompson didn’t stop there. He emphasized that Ayton has the physical tools and experience to elevate his game. “If DeAndre wants to take his game up to a 20-point, 12-rebound-a-night kind of center, the Lakers can contend for a championship. How hard is that to do? At 27 years old, entering his prime—you should be able to do that every night.”

The two-time NBA champion also touched on the pride Ayton could bring to his home country. As a fellow Bahamian, Thompson spoke passionately about what it would mean for Ayton to thrive in Los Angeles. “The Lakers are the Bahamas’ favorite team… and now one of their native sons has the chance to wear the uniform.”

Thompson added that Ayton should embrace this unique platform, not just for himself but for his roots. “If all that doesn’t motivate him to make his countrymen proud, then there’s nothing that can be done. But I believe he understands the enormous opportunity he has and the responsibility of being the Lakers’ center.”

Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game with the Portland Trail Blazers. While those numbers were solid, they fell short of expectations considering the limited support around him and the games he missed.

Now with the Lakers, Ayton finds himself surrounded by a NBA playoff-caliber roster and a leadership group that believes in his potential. If he rises to the occasion, both the Bahamas and Los Angeles might witness the best version of him yet.

In a recent appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, NBA insider Jovan Buha shared details about Doncic’s reaction to his new teammate. “Luka, I’ve been told, was on board with Ayton coming in. He gave the stamp of approval,” the reporter said.

“I think Luka is excited,” Buha continued. “He’s excited to have a pick-and-roll partner. And Deandre Ayton, for all the discourse around him, has been statistically one of the most efficient pick-and-roll finishers, lob threats, over the last few years… certainly an upgrade over Jaxson Hayes, let’s say. This is a guy who’s been a double-double every year of his career.”

Indeed, the Lakers struggled throughout last season with the absence of a true top-tier center. While Anthony Davis was in L.A., he often had to play that role—despite it not being his preferred position. And after the trade with the Dallas Mavericks, it was usually Dorian Finney-Smith who was forced into that spot.

That roster flaw became especially evident during the playoffs. Rudy Gobert capitalized on the Lakers’ lack of interior defense and caused major problems, contributing significantly to their first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

What connects Doncic and Ayton?

In the same conversation, Jovan Buha gave some insight into the relationship between Doncic and Ayton. “I’ve heard they have a good rapport—like, by NBA standards, a good rapport between Luka and Deandre Ayton. They share an agent,” the reporter said.

Buha also explained that their connection dates back to their early years in the league. “They were two of the top three picks in the same draft—the 2018 draft. Ayton went first, Luka went third,” Jovan recalled. “Their families have met each other. They have a relationship.”

What did Ayton say about Doncic?

After his move to Los Angeles was confirmed, Deandre Ayton spoke about what it means to be teammates with Doncic. “This feels like a video game, like somebody set it up,” he said during his introductory press conference. “This is an opportunity that I won’t take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player, and I’m happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he’s been in, he’s super ripped, and I’m finally glad to be on his side.”

Later, in an interview with ESPN, Ayton also talked about how his new Lakers teammates have responded. “I definitely had a text from Luka,” the center said. But when it came to the rest of the team, he was candid about not having spoken to many of them yet: “Not really, yet… I know how the offseason goes. This isn’t my first rodeo. People are probably busy with training and hanging out with their families. I’m just waiting, really just trying to integrate myself with the team and get to know everybody.”

Ayton’s arrival has been met with optimism inside the Lakers’ organization. Players and front office staff view the move as a step toward serious contention. Yet, in a recent interview with ESPN, Ayton revealed that while Luka Doncic sent him a welcome message, he has yet to hear from James, the face of the franchise.

When asked if he had spoken with either star since joining the Lakers, Ayton said, “Not really, yet. But I definitely had a text from Luka. I know how the offseason goes. This isn’t my first rodeo. People are probably busy with training and hanging out with their families. I’m just waiting, really just trying to integrate myself with the team and get to know everybody.”

While Ayton acknowledged the distractions that come with the offseason, the absence of a message from James raised eyebrows—especially given the recent trade speculation surrounding the four-time NBA champion. James’ silence could signal more than just summer busyness.

After opting into his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, James has been vocal about his desire to compete for another title. Reports have indicated that if the Lakers fall short of building a championship-caliber roster, James may push for a trade. That cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over Los Angeles as the offseason unfolds.

Meanwhile, Ayton appears to have a strong connection with Doncic, as both entered the league as part of the 2018 NBA Draft class. That shared history may prove valuable, especially if the Lakers do end up moving on from James. If that happens, Doncic and Ayton could represent the team’s new leadership core.

Recent reports have suggested that the Lakers are open to the idea of parting ways with James. Due to his no-trade clause, any move would require his approval. A buyout remains a realistic possibility should both sides agree to a mutual split.

Regardless of what happens with James, the Lakers are attempting to retool their roster around emerging pieces. Ayton brings playoff experience, rebounding, and interior presence—elements Los Angeles hopes will help them return to contention, whether or not their longtime superstar remains in purple and gold.

Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, will be expected to take over as the starting center. However, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins isn’t convinced the job will come easy—and he isn’t holding back on his expectations for Ayton in Los Angeles.

“He better come in with the right mindset because this could possibly be his last shot,” Perkins said during an appearance on ESPN’s Road Trippin’. “People need to see that you’re committed in doing the little things, right? You got a tough Western Conference. Forget the league. You’ve got a great responsibility. You’re playing for one of the most historic franchises in sports”.

Perkins, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, emphasized that the spotlight in Los Angeles is unlike anywhere else in the league. For Ayton, that means proving he’s all-in from day one.

“You got Magic Johnson watching you day to day. You got Big Game, James Worthy. They’re watching your a–. You got to go out there and produce, period,” Perkins advised Ayton.

He also warned that the Lakers’ fanbase won’t be forgiving if Ayton fails to meet expectations. “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’ greats—because they’re gonna call you out,” Perkins concluded.

The Lakers appear set to go forward with Ayton as their starting big man after bringing back Jaxson Hayes on a one-year deal. While there have been rumors linking veteran Al Horford to Los Angeles, Hayes’ return suggests the center position is now firmly occupied—placing the pressure squarely on Ayton’s shoulders heading into the 2025–26 season.

“I think it’s a great move (Deandre Ayton). He’s the perfect partner for Luka with the high screen and roll, and the high lobs and throwing it into the post… He’s an All-Star talent, but he has to do it over an 82-game schedule and do it consistently. So I don’t blame people for being a little bit skeptical about him. But I have faith in him. I know he’s going to prove to everybody how good he is,” Mychal Thompson said, via Sportskeeda.

Although Deandre Ayton’s talent is undeniable, he has not surpassed 70 games in a season since his rookie year in 2018-19. Last NBA season, he managed to play just 40 games for the Portland Trail Blazers. For Ayton to succeed in Los Angeles, achieving continuity and consistency will be crucial. Despite his limited minutes on the court, he averaged 14.4 points and 10.6 rebounds, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact when healthy.

According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Luka Doncic would have enthusiastically celebrated a deal involving Deandre Ayton and the Lakers. Woike notes that the Slovenian star feels eager to team up with the 26-year-old center. Doncic has previously showcased one of his best performances with an outstanding center at his side, giving fans reason to be optimistic about seeing an even better version of Doncic with this critical position effectively covered.

JJ Redick’s past remarks on Deandre Ayton resurface after center agrees to join his team

Although Deandre Ayton is not coming from his best season individually, he has managed to prove to be one of the most talented players in the NBA. For this reason, his recent agreement with the Lakers has sparked widespread excitement among analysts, who view him as a pivotal piece in the team’s quest for optimal balance. The move has even resurrected earlier comments from JJ Redick, now circulating on social media.

“Ayton’s fantastic… He’s fantastic at punishing mismatches. In the two-man pick-and-roll with him and (Chris Paul), they’re the No. 1 offensive duo among high-volume pick-and-roll players… So he is fantastic,” JJ Redick expressed, via ESPN on 2022. While these remarks date back three years, they emphasize the perception of Ayton’s potential as a game-changer. Analysts and fans alike are optimistic that Deandre will seamlessly integrate into the team’s dynamic.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed to return to the Lakers on a one-year deal. “Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Hayes’ agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, finalized a contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Thursday,” Charania reported via X (formerly Twitter).

Hayes, 25, served as the Lakers’ starting center last season after Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster deal for Luka Doncic. In 56 games, Hayes averaged 6.8 points on a career-high 72.2% shooting, along with 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist per contest.

However, his future with the Lakers appeared uncertain after head coach JJ Redick opted to limit his minutes during the playoffs. Despite being a regular starter in the regular season, Hayes saw minimal action in the first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and did not play at all in Game 5. That decision drew heavy criticism, as Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert dominated the paint with little resistance.

There had been speculation that the Lakers were pursuing Celtics veteran Al Horford, but Hayes’ return could signal that Los Angeles is no longer targeting the five-time All-Star. That could leave the Golden State Warriors as frontrunners for Horford’s services.

The Lakers are clearly focused on constructing a more competitive roster after a disappointing end to their 2024–25 campaign. Following the departure of Davis, securing depth at the center position was a top priority—and with Ayton and now Hayes in place, the Lakers appear to have addressed that need.

Los Angeles also lost Dorian Finney–Smith, who is reportedly finalizing a deal with the Houston Rockets. That departure opened up an opportunity for the Lakers to pursue Jake LaRavia from the Sacramento Kings. Additionally, the Lakers continue to explore a trade for Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, though Miami’s steep asking price remains a hurdle.

Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently reported the Heat’s demands. “I’ve reported/shared what I’ve heard, which is that [Miami has] been asking for the first [pick] and Dalton [Knecht], which I think is overpay for Wiggins. I think they also want Rui [Hachimura] too because they want to remain competitive,” Buha shared on his YouTube channel.

The news was shared by Shams Charania on his official X account. The NBA insider also included details about the contract the 26-year-old will have in this new chapter of his professional career. “Between Portland and L.A., Ayton will earn $34 million next season.”

One of the Los Angeles Lakers’ biggest weaknesses during last season was the lack of a true big man. In the first half of the campaign, it was usually Anthony Davis who played center—even though it’s not the position he’s most comfortable in or where he’s delivered his best performances.

And after AD’s departure to the Dallas Mavericks, things got even more complicated. Dorian Finney-Smith was forced to play center during some of the team’s most crucial games—a role he simply doesn’t have the physical tools or skillset to fill.

That mismatch was especially evident in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when Los Angeles had no answer for Rudy Gobert—one of the key reasons behind their early first-round exit.

The Lakers’ starting five with Ayton

With the addition of Deandre Ayton to the roster, head coach JJ Redick now has another critical piece to help shape the team and compete in the Western Conference. The Lakers’ starting five now looks extremely competitive, with Doncic and Austin Reaves as guards, LeBron and Rui Hachimura as forwards, and Ayton anchoring the paint.

Here’s the projected starting lineup Redick will have at his disposal for the 2025–26 season:

* Point guard: Luka Doncic

* Shooting guard: Austin Reaves

* Small forward: LeBron James

* Power forward: Rui Hachimura

* Center: Deandre Ayton

Ayton’s track record

Deandre Ayton will be entering his eighth NBA season with the Lakers. He burst onto the scene at age 20 with the Phoenix Suns during the 2018–19 season, delivering surprisingly strong performances that earned him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. However, he failed to take the next step and establish himself as a true superstar.

In 2023, he joined the Portland Trail Blazers, where—despite being a regular starter—he struggled to find consistency in his game. In his first season, he played in 55 of 82 games, and in the most recent campaign, he didn’t even reach the halfway mark.

As a result, a few weeks ago Portland and Ayton reached a buyout agreement that made him a free agent—a move the franchise took, according to The Athletic, due to repeated disciplinary issues involving the player.

Ayton, who made a significant impact with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, is now a coveted free agent attracting widespread interest. Several franchises are keenly observing how discussions about his future unfold.

Initially, the Lakers reportedly emerged as favorites to sign Ayton for the next season. Nonetheless, a new contender has reportedly entered the race. The Indiana Pacers, fresh off their status as reigning Eastern Conference Champions, are now considered a serious competitor for Ayton’s signature.

Jack Fisher of The Stein Line reports that the Pacers, after failing to re-sign Myles Turner, have shifted their focus to Ayton. “After letting Myles Turner walk, the Pacers have indeed registered free agent interest in Deandre Ayton,” Fisher noted. The current landscape suggests a two-team battle between the Lakers and the Pacers for Ayton’s services.

Ayton’s decision reportedly looms amidst high expectations

As anticipation builds around Ayton’s future, the Lakers have reportedly shown strong interest in acquiring the star center during this offseason. According to Bleacher Report, Ayton is expected to make his decision later this week, likely by Wednesday.

“Deandre Ayton is expected to clear waivers today. He has been most prominently linked to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers. However, the prevailing sentiment is that he will sign with the Lakers,” Bleacher Report noted.

The reported underlying frustration in Portland

Portland Trail Blazers fans anticipated seeing Ayton in the lineup next season, but the front office has reportedly opted for a buyout due to frustration with the player’s conduct. According to The Athletic’s Jason Quick, the decision was influenced by growing discontent with Ayton’s behavior.

Quick detailed several incidents that reportedly contributed to the discontent: “Examples included showing up late to team flights and practices, skipping rehab sessions, slamming chairs when subbed out of games, and throwing tantrums in the locker room after being benched for lack of effort.”

However, there are still some doubts about Deandre Ayton’s future with the organization, as the former first-overall pick doesn’t seem happy with the team that drafted him.

With that in mind, NBA insider Dalton Triggs reveals that the Dallas Mavericks could re-engage trade talks for Ayton, as they had already tried to get him prior to the Draft.

Mavericks Could Go After Deandre Ayton

“Given that McGee was apparently the biggest disagreement the Mavs and Suns had in their Ayton talks, wouldn’t it be feasible to envision those conversations potentially coming up again sometime before the season begins,” Trigg wrote.

“Would Phoenix take Hardaway and Holmes straight up with McGee out of the way, or would they now push for draft compensation as well,” the report concluded.

Of course, this will all depend on Ayton’s efforts — or lack thereof — during his days with Frank Vogel, but a trade away from the Valley of the Sun shouldn’t be ruled out now.