“This could be your last chance” – Kendrick Perkins tells Deandre Ayton not to waste his opportunity with the Lakers originally appeared on Basketball Network.
There have been mixed reactions to the Los Angeles Lakers signing former No.1 Pick Deandre Ayton.
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Some say it’s an opportunity for Ayton to prove his detractors wrong after disappointing stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trailblazers. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins thinks it could very well be Deandre’s final chance to show that he belongs in the NBA.
“He better come in with the right mindset because this could possibly be his last shot,” Perkins said. “When you look at the bigs around the Western Conference — Jokic, Sengun, Anthony Davis — when they heard the reports the Lakers were signing Deandre Ayton…
“Ugh, yeah. They want some action, big fella.”
More is expected of Ayton
Ayton was the Suns’ No.1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of the University of Arizona. But after five underwhelming seasons in “The Valley,” the Suns gave up on Deandre and traded him to the Portland Trailblazers in 2023.
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He has spent the last two seasons in Portland, but has appeared in only 95 games, averaging 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Although putting up a double-double the entire season is pretty impressive, much more is demanded from Ayton, who was supposed to be a franchise cornerstone. Perk says the expectations are even higher when playing for the Lakers.
“You got your hands full,” added Perk. “So, this should be a moment where you go in and check yourself and say, you know what? I’m about to lock in. 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. 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.”
Not about his ability
The issue with Ayton has never been his talent. With his length, athleticism, and soft hands, he is one of the most gifted big men in the game. However, his attitude and lack of effort in games have always been his issue.
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Last January 15, 2025, Ayton put on an absolute stinker when he scored just 2 points on 1-4 shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds in 24 minutes of playing time during a 114-132 loss to the lowly Brooklyn Nets. 2016 NBA champion Channing Frye said he was disgusted with Ayton’s performance during that game.
“I’m watching the Blazer game, and it is gross watching a certain player absolutely F–K OFF his minutes is unreal. Please stop playing this person, Trailblazers,” wrote Frye.
Playing for the Lakers always brings added pressure because they are one of the most iconic franchises in the league, and it’s always championship or bust in L.A. Hopefully, Ayton understands what may be at stake for him once he wears that Purple and Gold. Or as Perkins said, he might never get another chance after this one.Some say it’s an opportunity for Ayton to prove his detractors wrong after disappointing stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins thinks it could very well be Deandre’s final chance to show that he belongs in the NBA.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.