The Los Angeles Lakers made a notable decision during their recent victory over the Dallas Mavericks, opting to bench Deandre Ayton for the final 9:38 of the game due to his lackluster performance. This marked the third consecutive game in which head coach JJ Redick sidelined the center, leading to questions about Ayton’s effectiveness. The Lakers were trailing by 12 points when Ayton was taken out but ultimately came back to win by six in Dallas, underscoring the need for Ayton to improve.
The game showcased Luka Doncic’s determination as he faced his former team, and Redick ensured that Doncic received maximum support. The Mavericks aggressively double-teamed LA’s star player, forcing others to step up. Unfortunately for the Lakers, Ayton’s performance was underwhelming, as he tied for the most shot attempts on a night where his contributions fell short.
Having signed with the Lakers to assume the role of starting center, Ayton’s future seems uncertain. His inconsistent play over two separate franchises raises concerns about whether he can meet the expectations of a contender like Los Angeles. Lakers fans are left grappling with the reality that Ayton’s struggles may hinder the team’s quest for success.
During his 24 minutes on the court in the loss to Dallas, Ayton recorded nine points, 11 rebounds, and one block. While these numbers may not appear alarming, they are deceptive; Ayton shot only 25% from the field, hitting just four of his 16 attempts, and failed to defend effectively at the rim. The Lakers significantly outperformed when Ayton was off the floor, further highlighting his challenges.
Ayton’s recent setbacks have included being benched in the previous game against the Clippers and sitting out the second half against the Nuggets due to an eye injury. Across those three outings, the Lakers have been outscored by 27 points during his time on the court, yet somehow managed to win two of those contests.
This inconsistency mirrors Ayton’s career trajectory. When fully engaged and focused, Ayton can be a dominant force—Los Angeles is a perfect 14-0 when he scores 17 or more points this season. However, when he fails to impact the game meaningfully, the team’s fortunes falter. They have lost whenever he scores ten points or fewer, further emphasizing his importance to the team’s success.
With Ayton’s struggles in mind, the Lakers must rely heavily on him to complement Luka Doncic’s play. The team’s options are limited, with Jaxson Hayes serving as the only other center on the roster, forcing the Lakers to play small ball.
Ayton joined the Lakers with high hopes of a leading role on a championship-contending team. Still, Coach Redick’s willingness to bench him sends a clear message about performance expectations. The Lakers cannot afford to have a center contributing only sporadically, making it imperative for Ayton to elevate his game.
As the Lakers continue their season, the spotlight is firmly on Deandre Ayton. His response to these recent challenges could determine not only his future with the team but also the trajectory of the Lakers’ campaign. Fans are left waiting to see if Ayton can rise to the occasion and realize the potential that brought him to Los Angeles in the first place.