Is Deandre Ayton Set Up To Have a Big Year for the Lakers?

Context is everything in sports. 

The Lakers have imported Deandre Ayton to be the new starting center, and it's an opportunity for him to change the conversation. Viewed by many as anywhere from a disappointment to a major disappointment to a bust, Ayton arrives in Los Angeles with a totally different set of expectations. Nobody in LA will look at him as a failed top pick, taken ahead of Luka Dončić. None of that matters. With the Lakers, he needs to stay engaged defensively, rebound aggressively and be maybe the fourth or fifth best offensive player on any given night. Sometimes he can pop off for 25, but the Lakers shouldn't need it all that often. 

And if Ayton stays healthy, he'll certainly be better than what they had at the end of last year, which was Jaxson Hayes. 

But remember, context matters. Ayton may seem disappointing, but had his best season playing with a great point guard in Chris Paul. Now he has Luka, who has made a career out of boosting the stats of his centers. Meanwhile, if Ayton wants another big NBA payday, it behooves him to stay as dialed in as possible this year. 

His skill set should match well with Luka. Ayton is good in the pick and roll, has a midrange game, and can get above the rim. 

There's every reason to believe that Ayton will be a very positive contributor, even if sometimes he falls short of the championship level expectations everyone on the Lakers has to carry. 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: New environment for Ayton. 

SEGMENT 2: Why context is king. 

SEGMENT 3: What does the O look like with him? 

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