DeAndre Ayton flexed his 7-foot frame in Los Angeles’ preseason clash with Golden State, finishing with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. With LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Marcus Smart sidelined, Ayton became the Lakers’ defensive anchor. But with a stat-line like that comes the weight of narrative. Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles isn’t quiet. It comes with huge expectations, and a very public reminder that the Lakers are watching, and so is the rest of the league.

Dan Woike, on the Zach Lowe Show, captured the tension perfectly as he went on saying, “I don’t want to say a bad first week, a little bit of a rocky first week did not play well in their opener. I think he’s settled in a little here. He played pretty well, relatively speaking, on Sunday against Golden State. But here’s the thing, Zach, with where the Lakers are right now… we have not seen this basketball team in any close version of it.” Woike’s words indicate the challenge Deandre Ayton faces.

The team’s chemistry is still finding its rhythm, LeBron James is sidelined with sciatica, Luka Doncic is resting post-EuroBasket, and Marcus Smart hasn’t yet hit the floor. Ayton is stepping into a moving puzzle. Though despite the chaos, Ayton made his intentions crystal clear after the Lakers’ 126-116 preseason win over the Warriors.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “I’m just trying to let the world know and the league know that I’m the Lakers center and anchor of this defense.” He added that playing at home, feeling the fans’ energy, and integrating with Austin Reeves made for a solid night. “I played hard today, got a good sweat in, and yeah, we got to go,” Ayton said, efficient and pointed with the kind of tone that suggests both confidence and patience. 

And well, Deandre Ayton’s history carries both promise and scrutiny. At 27, he’s a former No. 1 pick, a 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds machine last season in Portland, and a career 59% field goal shooter. Yet, advanced metrics and rankings like The Athletic’s Top-40 Big Men slot him at No. 30. For someone of his size and skill, it feels less like recognition and more like a referendum on potential versus production.

This is a man expected to shift narratives, not just maintain them. Ayton’s role is amplified by Luka Doncic’s direct influence on roster construction. According to Marc Stein, Doncic actively pushed for Ayton, a move that reshapes internal dynamics. LeBron, seasoned and authoritative, and Reaves, the homegrown sharpshooter, now must adjust to Doncic’s influence extending off the court. Ayton is caught in the middle, a 7-foot barometer of how well these relationships translate into wins.

Woike highlighted Ayton’s defensive skills, saying, “His shot blocking and his size is a real thing. He’s not always in the right spot, but he’s really seven feet tall, has long arms, big hands, and knocks the ball away a bunch.” Woike also noted that Deandre Ayton’s short-mid-range shooting, between 13 and 17 feet, remains a powerful asset, offering the Lakers a dependable weapon without overextending beyond his comfort zone.

How Deandre Ayton’s opportunity in LA meets the inevitable pressure

His passing, “just decent,” needs speed and decisiveness, especially in fast breaks or four-on-three situations, which could be pivotal in a LeBron-absent lineup. Offensively, Deandre Ayton offers the Lakers a short-pocket shot threat, finishing efficiently around the rim, while his defensive presence is designed to anchor a team still experimenting with rotations. The contract only adds to the pressure. A two-year, $16.2 million deal screams prove-it.

It’s manageable for the front office but heavy in expectation for Ayton as this has now become about proving he can anchor both the offense and defense, provide consistent rim protection, and integrate with the perimeter stars. Any misstep could magnify scrutiny and raise questions about the decision-making of both the front office and Doncic. But Ayton’s stats against the Warriors hinted at what’s possible.

14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists. It is a balanced stat line in a preseason context that already carries more weight than typical. His synergy with Reeves impressed him, while noting he’s “just waiting for the rest of the superstars to join us.” That shows awareness, as he understands the pieces must connect before any judgment is made. The Lakers’ frontcourt now hinges on chemistry and adaptation.

Deandre Ayton’s presence allows spacing for shooters, coverage for guards, and, sadly or not, relief for the aging LeBron. Yet, on a team with stars like Doncic and Reaves, navigating ego and responsibility is part of the assignment. 

Ayton’s challenge now is to surpass the rankings, justify Doncic’s influence, and thrive under scrutiny. Two years to prove more than a number and past inconsistency. If he succeeds, he cements his role as the defensive and offensive anchor.

If not, the Lakers’ internal dynamics could tilt, leaving questions about roster construction and the efficacy of taking big gambles on big men in the modern NBA.