The Los Angeles Lakers have already secured the center they desperately needed in DeAndre Ayton.
The conversation surrounding this acquisition continues to generate buzz throughout the NBA community.
Many believe Ayton could deliver tremendous success for the Lakers. His dominant performance during the 2021 Western Conference Finals remains a key reason for the optimism.
Mychal Thompson reveals the four reasons Ayton could save his career with the Lakers
However, doubts linger about this two-year, $16.5 million deal. DeAndre Ayton’s career trajectory stalled with both the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers, making this move a calculated gamble for the Lakers.
Former Lakers star Mychal Thompson recently shared his perspective on the acquisition, outlining four key points about the deal.
One particularly optimistic observation centers on LeBron James and Luka Doncic, with a highlight on the team’s playmaking capabilities.
“Number one, it’s great for his brand. Number two, it’s exactly what the Lakers need.
“Number three, he plays with one of the best lob throwers in the game, and he plays with LeBron,” Thompson explained.
“Number four, if he wants to salvage his career and not play for the vet minimum for the next 10 years, he needs to come here and show everybody that he’s an all-star caliber center because he does have that kind of skills.”
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty ImagesPortland locker room incidents expose the real problem with Ayton’s $16.5 million deal
Reports have surfaced regarding Ayton’s behavioral problems with the Blazers, including tardiness to team flights and practices, plus locker room outbursts.
These red flags raise legitimate concerns about his professionalism. And Thompson offered a potential solution for the Lakers to address these issues head-on.
“If he wants to salvage his career and if you bring JJ Redick, Rob Pelinka, LeBron, you talk to him: ‘Listen son, you don’t come here with that pack. This is your last chance,’” Thompson stated.
Ayton’s declining stats show exactly why the Lakers took this massive gamble
Ayton’s production declined significantly last season. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game with Portland.
These numbers represent a notable drop from his 2019-20 campaign when he posted 18.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
The Lakers need Ayton to rediscover that earlier form. If he can recapture his peak performance while embracing the franchise’s championship culture, this deal could prove transformative for both parties.