LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are reeling from a brutal Western Conference-heavy back-to-back. They lost to Oklahoma City and San Antonio at Crypto.com Arena. As the season has dragged on, the Lakers have watched Deandre Ayton struggle to match up with elite centers. Portland Trail Blazers fans know this problem well. Los Angeles is learning in real time that Ayton is not the long-term solution at center.

Lakers Learning What Trail Blazer Fans Already Knew About Deandre Ayton’s Struggles
Nov 3, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The purple and gold signed Ayton this past summer after Portland bought him out with one year remaining on his three-year deal worth $35.5 million. Ayton gave up $10 million in the buyout agreement before signing a two-year, $16.6 million contract with Los Angeles.

Early Promise, Steep Decline

Ayton started the season well. He peaked in November when he averaged nearly a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds. He also averaged over one block, showing two-way value. Through 46 games, he averages 13 points, nearly nine rebounds, and one block. However, through four games in February, those numbers have dropped to nine points and seven rebounds.

Ayton plays devoid of energy and strength despite his physical stature. This has frustrated the Lakers’ fanbase, and the issue has grown over the past two months. It is especially annoying because size was a main reason the Lakers signed him. His 17 double-doubles on the year feel like fool’s gold because they flatter the situation. His 15.7 rebounding percentage, the lowest of his career, best captures the problem.

Shrinking Role Under JJ Redick

Ayton started the season decently, but he has slowly lost touch around the rim. Coach JJ Redick has limited his touches. In November, Ayton shot 76.1 percent from the field on 10 attempts per game. In January, that number fell to 59.7 percent. Through four games in February, he is averaging just five field goal attempts per game. Redick is benching him more often down the stretch in fourth quarters.

To put this into context, among Lakers who have played at least 20 games this season, Ayton has the fourth-worst fourth-quarter net rating at +3.7. Only recently traded Gabe Vincent, backup big Jaxson Hayes, and the struggling Dalton Knecht rank lower.

A Familiar Pattern for Portland Fans

Ayton’s fourth-quarter struggles and lack of physical dominance may surprise Lakers fans, but they do not surprise Trail Blazers fans. Portland watched him for two full seasons and knows his flaws better than any fanbase. In both seasons there, Ayton posted net ratings of -9.7 and -11.6 in the fourth quarter. That exposed a pattern of shrinking in high-pressure situations.

Portland knew he could not be their long-term center. They also knew moving him on the trade market would be difficult, which explains the buyout. While Ayton was the best available option last summer, Los Angeles must upgrade the center position next summer if it wants to seriously compete for a championship.

Credit:© David Richard-Imagn Images