Deandre Ayton on Criticism After Joining the Lakers: ‘It Fuels Me’
Updated Jul. 8, 2025, 10:04 p.m. me777.c0m ET
Deandre Ayton understands that he needs to change how people see him. From being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, he now faces questions regarding his maturity and commitment to the game. Two years ago, during his introductory press conference with the Portland Trail Blazers, he confidently referred to himself as “Domin-Ayton.” This summer, however, he was waived by the team after agreeing to a contract buyout. Now, at 26 years old, he’s signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that desperately needs a solid center if they aim to compete in the tough Western Conference. For the first time, Ayton must consistently deliver on his potential.
Ayton reflects on his experiences in Phoenix (2018-2023) and Portland (2023-2025), where he displayed flashes of his talent as a 7-footer capable of dominating the paint and shooting effectively from midrange. Yet, these moments were often clouded by concerns over his professionalism. He has been inconsistent, sometimes showing intense focus and at other times appearing disengaged. Notably, during the Suns’ run to the Finals in 2021, he had seven playoff games scoring at least 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. However, in the decisive Game 7 of the 2022 Western Conference semifinals, former Suns coach Monty Williams benched him. In Portland, he similarly frustrated head coach Chauncy Billups, who sidelined him just two minutes into the second half of a game in December.
Ayton is the first player since Dwight Howard to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in each of his first seven seasons, which makes it clear he has a significant amount to prove. He’s well aware of the criticism and is prepared to channel it into motivation as he seeks to redefine his career alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic. “It fuels me,” Ayton stated. “It fuels me up completely. This is a different type of drive that I’ve wanted to express for a long time. I believe this is the perfect time to be here in the purple and gold, and I can’t shy away from this platform.”
In Los Angeles, the spotlight is relentless, especially since the arrival of LeBron James in 2018, which has made the Lakers one of the league’s most scrutinized teams. www.phbet.com log in During his introductory press conference with the Lakers, Ayton exhibited a changed attitude compared to his previous appearances. No longer is he claiming to be the league’s next superstar center or asserting himself as “the guy” in Portland. Now, he’s humbly uncertain about his role in what may be considered a “Big Three” in Los Angeles. “I leave that up to you guys,” Ayton remarked. lodigame. com “I’m just here to be part of the puzzle and to fit in with Luka, JJ [Redick], and whatever Bron wants me to do. That’s about it.”
Ayton, whose Trail Blazers missed the playoffs for the last two seasons, expressed awareness of how swiftly a player can be overlooked when in a struggling team. He believes the Lakers are in a position to win now and feels he can contribute through his shot-blocking skills, setting solid screens, and rolling aggressively to the basket.
He is eager to learn from James, a four-time champion, and is excited about teaming up with Doncic, the No. phbet ph login 3 pick in his draft class. Ayton noted he has heard Doncic is “super ripped,” and being on the court with him will feel like “a video game.” Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season in only 40 games, but he insists he has gained much wisdom over his seven seasons in the league. When asked about his biggest takeaway, he answered without hesitation: “True professionalism. I feel like I’ve been absent for a little while in this league. Hard work has been my focus, and when I’m on the court, I want to prove to everyone that I am a winner.”
The Lakers are in need of a reliable center, and Ayton is determined to seize this opportunity to showcase his true potential. “This is an opportunity that I won’t take for granted,” he said.
What are your thoughts on Ayton’s journey and his impact on the Lakers this season?
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