Deandre Ayton may already have worn out his welcome at yet another stop.
The Los Angeles Lakers do not view the seven-footer Ayton as their long-term answer at the center position, veteran NBA writer Jake Fischer reported during a recent livestream. Fischer further notes that the Lakers could potentially be at the “front and center” of the big man market in the offseason.
Ayton, 27, signed with the Lakers last summer. The former No. 1 overall pick is making $8.1 million this season and also has an $8.1 million player option for next season.
While Ayton has had some nice moments this year and is averaging a respectable 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game overall, many of Ayton’s past career issues have been rearing their ugly heads again. Ayton continues to lack consistency and defensive motor and is prone to disappearing acts that even had the Lakers fanbase turning on him from the season opener.
The eight-year NBA veteran Ayton is shooting a career-high 70.4 percent from the field this season and has clearly benefited from the likes of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves feeding him the ball. But as a reliable two-way impact player, Ayton is still leaving a lot to be desired.
Earlier this year, Ayton claimed that the Lakers were trying an unorthodox way of getting him to play better. But no matter what the Lakers do, it appears that they will not be able to magically turn the former Arizona star into their big man of the future.
