When the Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton for just $8.1 million, the move barely moved the needle. It was viewed as a practical, low-risk addition rather than a decision that could meaningfully shift the Lakers’ trajectory. At the time, it felt like depth insurance, not a defining piece. That framing no longer fits.
Ayton has turned into one of the most efficient value signings in the league. He is averaging 15.3 points on a remarkable 71.0 percent shooting, along with 9 rebounds per game, production that would be impressive at any salary.
At his price point, it is borderline theft. More importantly, his impact shows up every night without disrupting the Lakers’ offensive hierarchy.
Deandre Ayton is a seamless fit next to LeBron, Dončić, and Reaves
The Lakers’ offense is built around three offensive engines: LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. All three thrive with the ball in their hands and consistently bend defenses. Ayton has found a way to elevate that trio without demanding touches himself.
Ayton has leaned fully into being the recipient. He likes receiving the ball in rhythm and finishing efficiently, whether that comes from rolling hard to the rim, sealing defenders in the paint, or cleaning up misses. He is not hunting isolations or forcing post-ups. His scoring comes naturally within the flow of the offense.
That approach is exactly what the Lakers need. Defenses collapse on LeBron and Dončić drives, and Ayton punishes them for it. Reaves benefits from the added spacing and simplified reads. Instead of clogging the lane, Ayton’s presence keeps the offense balanced and decisive.
Ayton’s efficiency stabilizes the Lakers on both ends of the floor
Ayton’s value goes beyond scoring. His efficiency allows the Lakers to survive cold shooting nights without overextending their stars. Easy points around the rim matter, especially over the course of a long season, and Ayton consistently provides them.
Defensively, he has helped stabilize the Lakers’ frontcourt. While he is not an elite rim protector, his size, positioning, and rebounding have limited second-chance opportunities. The Lakers are more comfortable playing bigger lineups knowing Ayton can handle physical matchups and clean the glass.
That reliability reduces strain across the rotation. Fewer emergency adjustments are needed, and the Lakers can manage minutes more strategically. Ayton’s steady presence has quietly raised the team’s nightly floor.
The Lakers must answer a looming question about Ayton’s future
Ayton is not forcing narratives or chasing headlines. He is embracing structure, accepting responsibility, and executing nightly. That buy-in is what transforms a good signing into a great one.
A major factor behind that shift has been Ayton’s relationship with JJ Redick. Ayton has openly praised Redick for clarity and trust, pointing to clearly defined expectations and consistent communication. Redick’s system asks Ayton to do specific things at a high level, and Ayton has responded by playing some of the most disciplined basketball of his career.
As everything comes together, a larger question now hangs over the Lakers. Ayton looks like a player who could be poised to stay. He fits the stars, fits the system, and appears genuinely comfortable in his role. At the same time, his market value has increased significantly.
A center producing at this level, with this efficiency, on a contending team will attract attention around the league. The Lakers may want continuity. Ayton may want stability. But with his value climbing rapidly, whether both sides can keep this partnership intact remains uncertain.
