Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Receives Harsh Reality Check From Insider as Concerns Grow in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold move during the offseason when they signed Deandre Ayton to a two-year contract after the former No. 1 overall pick reached a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers. At the time, the signing was viewed as a potential low-risk, high-upside move for a franchise hoping to remain competitive in the stacked National Basketball Association Western Conference.

However, several months into the season, the experiment has not gone according to plan. Ayton’s performance has declined in multiple statistical categories, and questions about his consistency, effort, and fit within the team have intensified. Now, a prominent Lakers insider has delivered a blunt assessment that highlights growing concerns within the organization and among observers.

As the Lakers fight to secure playoff positioning, Ayton’s role and production have become one of the most debated topics surrounding the team.

Deandre Ayton’s Difficult Season With the Lakers

When the Lakers brought Ayton to Los Angeles, the expectation was that he would provide stability at the center position. The former Phoenix Suns big man had previously demonstrated strong rebounding ability, interior scoring, and defensive presence during his early years in the league.

Instead, the 2025–26 season has been marked by regression.

Ayton’s numbers have dropped across nearly every major statistical category compared with the previous season. His averages in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks have all declined, and even his foul numbers have worsened. These trends have raised concerns about both his effectiveness and his overall engagement on the floor.

While Ayton continues to start at center for the Lakers, his production has not matched the expectations that come with a starting role on a team with championship aspirations.

Compounding the issue was a controversial comment Ayton made earlier in the season about being used in a role similar to Clint Capela—a rim-running, pick-and-roll center who focuses primarily on finishing plays around the basket. The remark quickly drew criticism from analysts and fans, with many arguing that Ayton has not embraced the physical and high-effort style required for that role.

Lakers Insider Delivers Blunt Assessment

During an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, Lakers insider Jovan Buha provided a harsh evaluation of Ayton’s current impact on the team.

When asked whether he would trust Ayton or Jaxson Hayes to close a playoff game, Buha didn’t hesitate with his answer.

He stated that he would not only close games with Hayes but might even start a playoff game with him instead of Ayton.

Buha explained that while Ayton’s contract value—around $8 million annually—is reasonable, the bigger issue is his performance relative to the expectations of a starting center on a contender.

According to Buha, Ayton’s play over the last few months has been particularly disappointing, describing it as “rough to say the least.”

Such criticism reflects growing skepticism among analysts about whether Ayton can be relied upon in high-stakes moments, particularly in postseason basketball where defensive intensity and effort are magnified.

Defensive Struggles Raising Major Concerns

One of the most alarming trends in Ayton’s season has been his defensive regression.

Throughout his career, Ayton was expected to anchor the paint as a rim protector capable of altering shots and controlling the defensive glass. During his early years with the Suns—including their run to the 2021 NBA Finals—he showed flashes of being a reliable defensive big man.

This season, however, his defensive rating has reached the worst mark of his NBA career.

Observers have noted that Ayton often appears out of position on defense, struggling with rotations and failing to provide consistent rim protection. Instead of serving as a defensive backbone, he has sometimes looked disconnected from the flow of the game.

This has become especially problematic for a Lakers team that already faces defensive challenges in other areas of the roster.

Jaxson Hayes Emerging as an Alternative

Meanwhile, backup center Jaxson Hayes has quietly made a case for increased playing time.

Although Hayes primarily faces opposing bench units, his defensive rating is reportedly about five points better than Ayton’s, highlighting a noticeable difference in defensive impact. Coaches and analysts have also praised Hayes for his energy, athleticism, and willingness to do the dirty work inside.

For head coach JJ Redick, effort and defensive commitment are key principles of his system. Hayes’ high-motor style fits those priorities more naturally than Ayton’s sometimes passive approach.

As the postseason approaches, it would not be surprising to see Hayes receive more minutes if the coaching staff believes his intensity can stabilize the team’s interior defense.

Lakers Fighting for Position in the Western Conference

The Lakers currently find themselves in a precarious spot in the Western Conference standings.

Despite flashes of strong play, Los Angeles has struggled with consistency. The team recently put together a three-game winning streak, but that followed a frustrating three-game losing skid that threatened their position in the playoff race.

At the moment, the Lakers are clinging to one of the final spots that keeps them out of the NBA Play-In Tournament, meaning every game down the stretch could be crucial.

Health has also played a significant role in the team’s uneven season. Guard Austin Reaves recently returned from injury, giving the Lakers a fully healthy rotation once again. His presence adds scoring, playmaking, and spacing—elements that are vital to the team’s offensive structure.

Luka Dončić’s Offensive Brilliance and Defensive Issues

Another key storyline surrounding the Lakers this season has been the performance of superstar guard Luka Dončić.

Dončić has been dominant offensively, consistently generating scoring opportunities and controlling the pace of the game. His ability to create shots for himself and teammates remains one of the most potent weapons in the NBA.

However, much like Ayton, Dončić has faced criticism for inconsistent defensive effort. Opposing teams have frequently targeted him in defensive matchups, forcing the Lakers to adjust their schemes.

Balancing elite offensive production with improved defensive discipline is one of the biggest challenges facing the team as the playoffs approach.

JJ Redick’s Challenge: Building a Cohesive System

For first-year head coach JJ Redick, managing the Lakers’ roster has become a delicate balancing act.

Redick must integrate multiple offensive stars while also maintaining defensive accountability across the lineup. That task becomes more complicated when key players struggle with consistency or effort.

With only a few months remaining in the regular season, Redick’s priority will be identifying the lineups that provide the best two-way balance.

If Ayton cannot deliver consistent defensive impact or energy, the coaching staff may be forced to experiment with alternative rotations—potentially featuring Hayes or smaller lineups that emphasize speed and switching.

Can Deandre Ayton Turn Things Around?

Ayton is now eight years into his NBA career, and many analysts believe his playing style is largely established. While players can still evolve at this stage, significant changes in approach or mentality become less common.

For Ayton to silence his critics, he will need to demonstrate greater intensity, stronger defensive focus, and a willingness to embrace the gritty responsibilities that come with being a starting center.

That includes:

• Protecting the rim consistently

• Dominating the glass

• Setting physical screens

• Running the floor with energy

• Committing to defensive rotations

If he can deliver in those areas, he could still become a valuable contributor for the Lakers’ playoff push.

The Lakers’ Playoff Outlook

Ultimately, the Lakers’ postseason hopes may depend on how quickly they can resolve their interior issues.

With Dončić leading the offense and Reaves back in the lineup, the team possesses enough firepower to compete with top Western Conference contenders. But without reliable defense and consistent effort from the center position, their ceiling could remain limited.

Whether Ayton reclaims his form or Hayes steps into a larger role, the Lakers must find stability in the paint if they want to make a serious run once the playoffs begin.

For now, Ayton faces a critical stretch of games—and a growing chorus of critics demanding more from the former No. 1 overall pick.