Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office just finalized one of the most essential signings this offseason after acquiring former No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton.
The soon-to-be 27-year-old agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal, finally giving the Lakers their center of the future. After seven years in the league, his career averages have climbed to 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
Internal battles stifled his development, and he was relegated to limited usage in Portland after a disappointing conclusion in Phoenix following the Suns’ 2021 Finals appearance. His motor came into question, and his overall motivation experienced a notable decline.
Now, in a new situation, he has a chance to re-establish himself and reach his All-Star potential. There’ll be more pressure to perform in Los Angeles than in any of his previous destinations, and his pairing with Head Coach JJ Redick is the most compelling factor of the acquisition.
Will Ayton Change His Ways For Redick?
Redick is known for his strict coaching style, and he’s gained the trust of the front office after winning 50 games in his first season, especially after such a chaotic year. The legendary Blue Devil will try to bring out the best in his athlete, but Ayton has developed a reputation for being lazy at times.
The media was very critical of the emotional aspect of the signing.
This is precisely what Ayton needed to dispel the narrative surrounding his character. We have already seen Redick’s impact on Dončić, particularly with his drastic weight loss and physical improvement this offseason. He will command the same effort from Ayton, and this is where the actual test will occur.
If Ayton can conform to Redick’s coaching style, the Lakers will become a force to be reckoned with. During his introductory press conference, he expressed his desire to succeed in L.A. and the emotions that come along with playing for the Lakers.
If Ayton can unlock his All-Star potential, the upside for the Lakers is extraordinary. He has expressed his desire to win championships, so we’ve gained some valuable insight into his mindset.
Pairing Ayton With Dončić Long-Term
As an athletic seven-footer, he will excel in an offense alongside Dončić, which is crucial for the long-term value of the deal. Ayton is the best center Dončić has played with, and the same can be said for Ayton with Dončić at the point guard position. Both can create their shots on the perimeter and inside, respectively, so combining their skills will create a dynamic duo.
They’re forever connected because of the 2018 NBA Draft, and now there’s a chance they could accomplish something special together. He shared his thoughts now that they’re teammates, after some intense battles between the Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.
Although Ayton can’t stretch the floor with a three-pointer, his athleticism will provide a massive boost to the star-studded starting lineup, including Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. All three are great playmakers, but Ayton needs to improve as a rim runner this season.
He will have many opportunities with back-door cuts and alley-oop passes on the fast break. It’s something the Lakers didn’t have last season that will make a massive difference in their championship pursuit.
This Season & Beyond
He’ll likely sign a long-term extension if he has a good debut season. Given his star potential and youth, he is their ideal center for the future. He’ll become the second or third option when LeBron retires, and playing with two great playmakers will increase his totals to 17+ points per game.
All three players are close in age, so it’s a perfect ensemble for the future. Ayton’s excitement to play alongside Dončić indicates good chemistry between the two. Both of them are searching for new beginnings in L.A., and Laker fans will benefit from it.
A star center was crucial for the ‘Luka Lakers’ era, and now they can focus on extending their star trio as they prepare for a new era post-LeBron.
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