Lakers Center’s Recent Frustrations Boil Over
Deandre Ayton’s recent comments about his role with the Los Angeles Lakers have sparked conversation around the team’s offensive identity. While Ayton had not directly attacked his teammates, his frustration was evident when he pointed out that big men rely on guards and wings to find them the ball consistently. In recent games, Ayton has scored efficiently when given opportunities; however, his overall count remains low, especially in comparison to the Lakers’ ball-dominant stars. The Lakers have leaned heavily on their primary creators, leaving Ayton functioning as more of a finisher rather than a focal point. Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged this issue when he emphasized that the offense must do a better job involving its center when opportunities present themselves.
Though situations like this do not cause immediate problems, they could escalate without a resolution. Looking ahead, the Lakers have several paths they could take to resolve Ayton’s frustration and improve offensive balance. These paths include a more tactical shift that prioritizes pick-and-roll actions and early post entries, which could both keep Ayton engaged. Increasing his touches could potentially help stabilize the offense during scoring droughts and also add a reliable interior presence. On the other hand, the reality is that the Lakers’ offense is built around high-usage stars who naturally dominate possession. This makes significant role changes difficult. Ultimately, any meaningful change will require intentional effort rather than passive adjustment.
Ayton’s comments have also caused speculation about whether his future with the Lakers is secure. While there is no real indication that the team is shopping him, the Lakers reportedly do not view him as a guaranteed long-term solution at center. If his frustration grows or his role stagnates, the front office could explore trade options that better align with their championship timeline. Ayton’s contract structure gives the Lakers flexibility, making him a moveable piece if a better roster fit becomes available. To trade him solely based on his frustration would be premature, especially given his efficiency and defensive value. As of right now, this situation seems to be more of a crossroad than a breaking point. How the Lakers respond over the next stretch of games may determine whether Ayton becomes more involved, or eventually becomes expendable.
