Why the Lakers' success depends on Deandre Ayton -- and vice versa - ESPN

ESPN

by Dave McMenamin

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Deandre Ayton’s performance against the Orlando Magic highlighted his potential as a key player for the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly in high-stakes moments. With 21 points and 13 rebounds, Ayton demonstrated his ability to anchor the team’s front line, providing an energy that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for success. His willingness to take on a more active role, both offensively and defensively, has caught the attention of his teammates and coaches. However, the question remains: can Ayton consistently embrace the role the Lakers need him to play? Ayton’s game against the Magic showcased his ability to set screens effectively in clutch situations, which is a critical skill for a player drafted as highly as he was. Yet, throughout his career, Ayton has struggled to establish himself as a go-to star, often disappearing on the court and relying on sporadic flashes of brilliance rather than consistent performance. His reputation as a talented but inconsistent player was evident in his post-game comments, where he humorously referenced his desire to avoid being pigeonholed into a specific role—comparing himself to Clint Capela, who thrived as a rim-runner earlier in his career. Despite this, Ayton’s teammates and coaches have noticed his efforts to improve. Marcus Smart, a respected veteran on the Lakers’ roster, acknowledged Ayton’s progress but emphasized the need for him to take another step forward. Ayton’s locker room antics, such as performing cartwheels before games, while entertaining, sometimes overshadow his on-court contributions and undermine perceptions of his seriousness as a player. While Ayton’s energy

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026