The Los Angeles Lakers deserve credit for helping revive Deandre Ayton’s career. After his title run with the Phoenix Suns, it often felt like his best days might already be behind him. Questions about consistency, effort, and long-term value followed him around the league.
That narrative has shifted in Los Angeles. In a simplified role, Ayton has rediscovered efficiency and stability. What was once viewed as a declining trajectory now looks like a player rebuilding his value at the perfect time.
Ayton has given the Lakers exactly what they hoped for when they brought him in. He has been a reliable interior scorer, a strong rebounder, and a steady presence in the paint. Night after night, his box scores reflect efficiency rather than volatility.
Ayton’s production is raising his market value
Throughout the season, Ayton has consistently scored in double figures while shooting well above league average from the field. Many of his performances feature field-goal percentages in the 70 to 90 percent range, a clear sign that he is thriving in a low-usage role. His offensive responsibilities are limited, but he has executed them extremely well.
Rebounding has been another major strength. Ayton regularly pulls down double-digit boards and contributes on both ends of the floor. For a Lakers team that has struggled at times with interior consistency, his presence has provided welcome stability.
Defensively, Ayton has been solid if not spectacular. He provides rim protection, collects blocks in most games, and uses his size to deter easy finishes. While he is not transforming the Lakers into an elite defensive unit, he has been dependable within the team’s defensive structure.
The Lakers face a familiar financial dilemma
The issue is not Ayton’s on-court performance. The issue is how the NBA marketplace values traditional center production. Efficient scoring, rebounding, and starting-caliber minutes tend to translate directly into lucrative contracts.
Around the league, teams in need of frontcourt stability could easily view Ayton as a long-term solution. His ability to score without dominating possessions and control the glass makes him particularly appealing to teams with cap space or rebuilding timelines.
For the Lakers, matching that kind of market value would be difficult. Los Angeles already operates with limited salary flexibility and must carefully prioritize roster construction around its stars. Committing significant long-term money to a non-spacing center comes with real opportunity costs.
Playing well may push Deandre Ayton toward an exit
Ayton is doing exactly what players are supposed to do when positioning themselves for their next contract. By playing efficiently and consistently, he is increasing his value across the league. Ironically, that success could make him too expensive for the Lakers to retain.
Another factor may complicate things even further. The trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves has rarely spent extended time on the floor together, and when they do, questions about hierarchy and leadership tend to surface.
Scoring responsibility among the three has fluctuated from game to game, making it difficult for the Lakers to establish a clear offensive identity. If the front office ultimately decides that the current core lacks long-term clarity, Los Angeles could pivot toward a more dramatic roster move.
Big-game hunting has always been part of the Lakers’ DNA, and names like Giannis Antetokounmpo inevitably surface in speculative conversations. Other teams are already on the hunt.
With Reaves already appearing in trade rumors, it is not impossible to imagine Ayton being included in a larger package if the Lakers choose to reshape their future at the deadline.