The Los Angeles Lakers are building a promising roster focused largely around Luka Doncic, but center Deandre Ayton’s place on the team is becoming increasingly uncertain. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Ayton is not seen as part of the franchise’s long-term plans after 40 games where his impact has been underwhelming. The team’s struggles with Ayton come amid his declining statistics in the current 2025-26 season.
This season, Ayton has averaged 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, numbers that have dipped despite playing alongside elite floor generals like Doncic and LeBron James. Comparatively, during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, Ayton posted higher averages of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest.
Lakers’ Internal View on Ayton’s Potential
Jake Fischer has previously addressed the Lakers’ perspective on Ayton’s future with the team. On January 7, Fischer explained that the Lakers do not see Ayton as their long-term solution at center or as a reliable partner for Doncic’s pick-and-roll offensive style in Hollywood.
“I don’t think anyone in that Lakers building sees DeAndre Ayton as their long-term answer at center or as the pick-and-roll rim-lob threat that Luka Doncic will grow old with in Hollywood,” Fischer said.
Concerns Over Ayton’s Consistency and Impact
NBA reporter Jovan Buha highlighted growing concerns about Ayton’s status on the Lakers during a December episode of his YouTube show, Buha’s Block. Buha described the situation as precarious, signaling elevated worry about Ayton’s performance trajectory.
“I think we’re hitting a dangerous place with Deandre Ayton. I would say I’m probably at DEFCON 3 with Ayton,” Buha said (Timestamp at 26:35).
Ayton’s inability to produce a meaningful stretch of strong performances is weighing heavily on his future with the club. This is especially notable given that Austin Reaves, a valuable contributor for the Lakers, has been sidelined for nearly a month. Ayton’s mediocrity during this critical period, with averages of 10.7 points and 8.3 rebounds over the past 15 games, has fallen short of expectations. Ayton has recorded only a single game with 20 or more points in that span.
Kendrick Perkins Voices Frustration Over Ayton’s Effort
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins expressed strong displeasure over Ayton’s recent efforts after the Lakers’ 116-110 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the win, Perkins openly criticized Ayton’s lack of energy and contribution during 23 minutes on the court, where Ayton posted nine points and nine rebounds.
“The s**t I’m witnessing from him right now is disturbing to watch him on the floor,” Perkins said of Ayton. “He does nothing athletically, he’s not going to lunge for basketballs, he’s not going to make the extra effort, like I just don’t get it.”
On the following Monday, Ayton played 22 minutes, tallying six points and two rebounds while Doncic led the Lakers to a 129-118 victory with 46 points.
Significance of Ayton’s Performance for Lakers’ Future Plans
Deandre Ayton’s current struggles contribute to increasing tension regarding the Lakers’ roster construction. His inability to consistently perform at a high level places the franchise at a crossroads about his long-term fit alongside stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The team’s need for a dependable center who can serve as a vital pick-and-roll partner and rim presence remains unfulfilled.
As the Lakers continue their 2025-26 campaign, Ayton’s development and commitment on the court will be closely scrutinized, likely influencing decisions in upcoming trades or roster adjustments. With key players like Austin Reaves unavailable for extended periods, Ayton’s output becomes even more critical for the team’s success and playoff aspirations.
Kendrick Perkins says the sh*t he is witnessing from Deandre Ayton right now is disturbing to watch
“He does nothing athletically. He not going to lunge for basketballs. He’s not going to make the extra effort. Like I just don’t get it. Sooner or later, if I’m beefing with 10… pic.twitter.com/mBxGKtOVPj
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 24, 2026
