The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines this summer by acquiring former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton as their solution at center. However, his performance thus far has raised concerns, particularly when compared to his former teammate Robert Williams III, who is now making waves with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers have been actively seeking a center since the controversial trade that sent Luka Doncic to their roster. In their pursuit, they’ve been linked to various players, including Mark Williams and Walker Kessler, as well as veterans like Brook Lopez and Al Horford. Ultimately, they chose to sign Deandre Ayton, a player of mixed reputation. While Ayton has displayed the potential to score and rebound consistently, his inconsistency and reluctance to engage physically on the court have left much to be desired.
Though Ayton has the ability to produce impressive double-doubles, his impact hasn’t translated into winning for a team with championship aspirations. His turnover rate has surged by nearly 50 percent to a career high, alongside a significant drop in assist rates and a career low in rebounding. Despite playing alongside talented teammates like Doncic and Austin Reaves, his overall contributions have not met the expectations of a player on a max contract.
In sharp contrast, Robert Williams III, despite being limited to just 26 games over the last two seasons due to injury, has shown his capabilities upon returning to the court. The Lakers had opportunities to acquire Williams over the summer but opted for Ayton instead. Williams, who possesses an expiring contract at $13.3 million, has emerged as a reliable defender and a perfect fit for pick-and-roll situations, demonstrating why he was a starter on an NBA Finals team.
Statistically, Williams is outshining Ayton this season. He not only has more blocks despite playing fewer minutes, but his defensive metrics significantly outpace Ayton’s. With a Defensive Box Plus-Minus of +2.0, Williams stands as a defensive anchor, while Ayton sits at -1.1. Williams also boasts a remarkable turnover rate, committing only four turnovers all season compared to Ayton’s 36.
While Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka believed Ayton was the better choice, the early results suggest otherwise. As Robert Williams continues to excel and serve as an integral part of the Blazers’ defense, the Lakers may find themselves regretting the decision to overlook him.
The Lakers still have time to refine their roster and hope Ayton can turn things around. However, the immediate evidence showcases the valuable qualities that Williams brings to the table, making it clear that the Lakers missed an opportunity to acquire a game-changing center. Ultimately, this summer’s choice may serve as a pivotal moment in determining the team’s capacity to compete at the highest level in the league.