The Los Angeles Lakers brought in Deandre Ayton last summer to serve as their starting center, expecting him to bolster their lineup during the 2025-26 NBA season. However, through nearly two-thirds of the regular season, Ayton’s performance has fallen short of expectations, raising doubts about his impact on the team and fueling conversations around his value.
Despite signing with the Lakers for $8.1 million after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton has failed to consistently deliver, struggling particularly on defense and rim protection. His play has been uneven, prompting critics to question whether he was the right fit for the Lakers’ plans, especially given the investment in his talents.
Why Ayton Is Considered One of the NBA’s Most Overrated Players
Analysts like Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report have labeled Ayton as one of the NBA’s most overrated players, particularly pointed out at the All-Star break. Swartz emphasized that while Ayton carries the prestige of being the number one pick in the 2018 draft, his lack of effort and defensive shortcomings have been frustrating for teams throughout his career. Swartz noted,
“There’s a reason why Portland is paying Ayton nearly $27 million this season to play for someone else,”
highlighting prior struggles that carried over to the Lakers.
In 46 games with Los Angeles this season, Ayton averages 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and one block per game while shooting an efficient 67.5 percent from the field. Despite strong shooting numbers, his defensive impact has been limited.
“Despite his 7’0″ frame and 7’6″ wingspan, Ayton has never been a defensive anchor even with his physical advantages,”
Swartz wrote, further explaining that opponents are scoring at a high rate—nearly 59.3 percent on shots at the rim—when Ayton is the primary defender, similar to Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a guard significantly shorter than Ayton.
The Lakers currently rank 23rd in defensive rating and have allowed the 20th most points in the paint, pointing to clear struggles in interior defense despite Ayton’s role as starting center. Offensively, Ayton’s game remains limited; he relies mostly on mid-range jumpers, hook shots, and catching lob passes from teammates like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. His primary offensive responsibility is to set screens for the star players rather than being a major scoring threat himself.
Swartz emphasized the evolving nature of the NBA, stating,
“Centers who can’t protect the rim and offer no three-point shooting are a dying breed in the NBA,”
warning that Ayton must develop his skills to avoid becoming obsolete in the league. His defensive limitations combined with a lack of shooting range contribute to the perception that Ayton is not meeting the expectations tied to his salary and status.
Lakers’ Team Dynamics at the Midpoint of the Season
The Lakers entered the season with hopes of contending for a championship, adding players such as Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia alongside Ayton. However, at the All-Star break, the team’s record stood at 33-21, placing them in a mixed position within the Western Conference, and revealing notable deficiencies, especially on the defensive end.
The Lakers ranked 16th in net rating, 11th in offensive rating, but a disappointing 23rd in defensive rating, reflecting ongoing defensive struggles that head coach JJ Redick openly acknowledged throughout the year. With key players like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves dealing with injuries and the veteran LeBron James approaching the twilight of his career, the roster’s depth issues have become more apparent.
Despite speculation about major trades at the deadline, general manager Rob Pelinka opted for a modest move, swapping Gabe Vincent for sharpshooter Luke Kennard. This trade reflects a cautious approach rather than an aggressive push to fix the team’s problems mid-season.
Looking Ahead: Lakers’ Future Plans and Ayton’s Role
Injuries to core players and aging veterans present significant challenges for the Lakers as they navigate this season. With LeBron James rumored to be on his way out and the franchise aiming to free up salary cap space, the Lakers appear to be focusing on building around a star backcourt duo featuring Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The team’s long-term outlook suggests that they may prioritize younger, more versatile players who fit the evolving style of the NBA. Whether Deandre Ayton will remain part of the Lakers’ future remains uncertain, as his current season performance adds complexity to roster decisions. For now, Ayton is struggling to capitalize on his opportunity with Los Angeles and has yet to prove he can be a foundational piece for the team moving forward.
Deandre Ayton is lazy on the miss at the free throw line leading to a three point play for Trey Murphy. Ayton gets subbed out immediately afterwards (maybe gassed?) pic.twitter.com/VBPmQp1leR
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 7, 2026
Rob Pelinka on the trade deadline: “I would say we were aggressive. And one form of being aggressive is saying no to moves that come your way that might not be best for the short- and long-term future.” pic.twitter.com/Bu66VH6lLG
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 8, 2026
Jake Fischer during his live stream for Bleacher Report today stated the Lakers’ inability to trade for Keon Ellis – whom the team wanted – is an “indicator” to him that they’re not going to be “super aggressive” trying to find perimeter help.
He reiterated their desire to…
— The Lakers Review (@TheLakersReview) February 2, 2026
