There’s a new storm brewing in Hollywood—and this storm might be purple and gold.
The Los Angeles Lakers, after yet another early playoff exit, are eyeing a high-stakes pivot this offseason. At the heart of the buzz? None other than DeAndre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there’s a “strong possibility” Ayton ends up donning the Lakers jersey this summer. The news has set off alarms — and hopes — across the Lakers Nation.
Why Are the Lakers Targeting DeAndre Ayton?
The fact that the Lakers are in need of a lockdown center has been glaring since they traded off an All-Star, Anthony Davis, in order to procure Luka Doncic. Although Doncic is an exceptional playmaker and scorer, the frontcourt became yet another soft spot. Just acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton is a rim protector who does a lot of work in cleaning up at the glass, and that is what LA happens to need. Athleticism, strong rebounding, and finishing at the rim could be the icing on the cake to accompany the game of Dončić. However, why is Ayton so hot in the NBA free agency market?
Haynes appeared on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast and highlighted, “That is quite likely. Strong possibility.” He pointed out that the Lakers have been scouting after various centers such as Clint Capela and Brook Lopez, but the implications of Ayton joining the free agency market have opened their eyes. Ayton is precisely 27 years old, in the formative years of his career, which falls in line with the Lakers goal of developing a young, vibrant team around the No. 3 pick, Doncic, in the Ayton/Doncic draft. Will this new union between 2018 draftees give a revival to the Lakers?
Ayton’s fit with Luka Dončić
Consider this: Luka Doncic, the master of pick and rolls, and a 6’11 center who can roll to the rim with a blow or pop out on a junior range shot. That is the promise of the Doncic-Ayton combination. The skill of Ayton to create screens, complete lobs, and secure boards might open new horizons for the LA offense. Doncic, famous as a court visionary, plays well with bigger players who can utilize his throws. Is Ayton, however, the right personality to fit in the leadership style of Luka?
Haynes thinks that it is natural. This belongs to the team of Luka. They desire to construct on his behalf. He said, They desire to have guys of the same age who can go where he goes. Doncic, who is 26, is already the future of LA, and Ayton is less than one year older, and he can develop along with him. It comes with an emotional dimension as well. The connection they have as draft classmates gives the narrative additional layers: two young stars that joined the league in the same year now have a chance to win a title together. Will this chemistry work in the court?
Thoughts on the Lakers’ center problems
Their defeat in the playoffs revealed the absence of size and a back-to-the-paint defender on the Lakers team. Anthony Davis was a two-way weapon, and his loss created a hole. LA got caught in a trade that involved Charlotte Mark Williams but had incurred a bad physical at the deadline. The Lakers are now in a golden position wherein Ayton will clear waivers by Wednesday. So what does Ayton offer that other centers do not?
When he gets antsy, Ayton is a career 16.7/10.4 point/rebound double-double player. He is 7 feet tall, and his wingspan is 7 feet 0 inches, which makes him a decent rim protector, and his fine touch inside the basket makes him versatile. Several other players can do what Capela and Lopez offer; there is, however, no other player who holds such a good balance of those skills. Does he have the capacity to replace the defensive gap that was created by Davis and increase the offensive elements?
Kendrick Perkins’ Warning: Ayton’s Last Chance?
Ayton is not convincing to everyone. The ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins warned that this was the last chance Ayton had to make the situation right. “When DeAndre Ayton is locked in, he’s focused, he’s losing himself in the team, and he’s a hell of a player. Double-double. The thing is that has not happened so far,” Perkins commented. Ayton was not a very productive player at the Blazers, and this concerns his consistency and dedication. Will he be able to accept the legendary culture of the Lakers?
There is validity in the warning by Perkins. Talent is not in question; Ayton landed at No. 1 in the draft for a reason, but his commitment is questioned. The Lakers locker room is a locker room that needs accountability, with Doncic and coach JJ Redick in charge of the players. Perkins thinks that Ayton can succeed in case he contracts. This enhances an emotional interest on the part of the fans given the scenario of Ayton either meeting the challenge or struggling under the glare of the Los Angeles bright lights.
Why This Move Matters for Lakers Fans
Ayton would give the Lakers Nation hope, and that is the spirit in which the team is looking at it. The fans have gone through a rollercoaster since the departure of LeBron James and the trade of Davis. The arrival of Dončić marked the start of something new, and the early playoff flameout was bitter. The signing of Ayton may revive the morale of a fan base that craves success. Who would not like to watch a young (and today also talented) center dunking at opponents in Crypto.com Arena?
The sentimental attachment is deeper. The fans of the Lakers have been supporting those players who thrive on the grind. Raw and hungry with something to prove, Ayton can become a fan favorite in case he performs. Imagine audience noise when he throws an alley-oop to Dončić or blocks off a shot, sending it into the stands. This then may be the catalyst to bring back the Showtime atmosphere.
The Bigger Picture: Lakers’ Championship Window
The Lakers are playing a race against time. Doncic is a generational talent; however, to make a competitor out of him, one needs to have the right pieces. Ayton is young and talented, and his future fits the long-term plan of LA, yet the time is running out. The fire on the free agent market is making other teams pounce. Will the Lakers obtain Ayton before he is gotten by others?
The report of Haynes gives an impression of confidence over the position of LA. He said, It is pointing all in that direction, and he was alluding to such things as behind the scenes. Should Ayton end up on the Lakers, he and Don 2 can make a vicious three-man combo with an upcoming wing. This move has the potential to change the Western Conference order of things, putting some teams, such as the Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Suns, at a disadvantage. Is Ayton the key to a long playoff run?
Ayton: A Deal Of Risk
There is not a riskless deal. The irregularity that Ayton has carried into Portland with him has been experienced in Phoenix. People wonder about his power and motor and how he can deal with the pressure of a large market such as LA. The Lakers have a rich history, but their culture is ruthless. Will the pressure of being a player on a team that has won 17 titles be too much for Ayton?
In addition, it is not clear in a financial sense. The buyout of Ayton is making him become a free agent, although the next contract would have to be according to the cap space of LA. Will the Lakers give him a priority over other prospects such as Capela or Lopez? Dealing with the front office, fronted by Rob Pelinka, this is not the first daring move, but there is a lot at stake. In case Ayton fails to bring his best, it can cost the Doncic era.
Final Thoughts
The Lakers are on a gamble of youth, talent, and chemistry to claim back their place at the top of the NBA. DeAndre Ayton, with his size, skill, and untapped potential, could be the answer to their frontcourt woes. This rumor is a bit of hope to fans that they can enjoy a new wave of basketball with Doncic and Ayton as stars of the team. However, the question is whether or not Ayton can show up and bring another banner to Los Angeles. It remains to be seen, but the hype surrounding this possible signing is hard to miss.
Keep visiting HDSports.in to get reports of the Lakers in free agency as well as other NBA news. Do you think that Ayton will be the key to LA’s revival? Leave your ideas in the comments and take part in the discussion!
