Key Highlights
- Steve Nash believes that Deandre Ayton must become more dynamic to succeed with the Lakers.
- Ayton’s career has been characterized by inconsistency and limited playing time in his last stint with the Portland Trail Blazers.
- The Lakers’ expectations for Ayton are high, as they see him as a key piece of their future success.
- Joining a storied franchise like the Lakers comes with immense pressure on Ayton to perform and adapt.
Deandre Ayton’s Journey: From Phoenix Suns to Portland Trail Blazers
Deandre Ayton, the 27-year-old center, has seen his career take a bumpy ride since his early days with the Phoenix Suns. During his five-year tenure with the Suns, Ayton averaged impressive numbers of 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, playing a key role in their journey to the NBA Finals. However, after a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers where he struggled with injuries and limited appearances, Ayton found himself back on the sidelines more often than not.
His performance in Portland left many questioning his consistency and ability to handle the high expectations that come with being a young big man in the NBA. The question now is whether Ayton can turn things around at the Los Angeles Lakers, where he has been given a fresh start and a golden opportunity to reignite his career.
Steve Nash’s Advice: Dynamic Role on Both Ends of the Court
In an interview with “The Zach Lowe Podcast,” former NBA MVP Steve Nash offered insight into what Ayton needs to do to succeed at the Lakers. According to Nash, Ayton must embrace a more dynamic role both offensively and defensively.
“Ayton, he’s got to have a better year. We know he can put up numbers, but is he really going to roll?
Like, that’s my big question there,” Nash stated. “Is he really going to roll to the basket? Because it doesn’t really help the Lakers or Luka help the Lakers if he wants to pop or if he wants to slow down, you know, in the short role and become a playmaker. Like they really need him to want to be a little more dynamic, get in and out, get above the rim, be a vertical threat just to draw the defense, to ask questions so that Luka can do what he does and make the rest of that team better because they’re going to have problems defensively.”
Nash’s advice highlights the importance of Ayton being more than just a scoring threat. He needs to bring energy and versatility to the court if he hopes to become an integral part of the Lakers’ future success.
The Pressure Mounts: A Storied Franchise and High Expectations
Joining the Lakers means Ayton is now part of a storied franchise with a history of excellence. The pressure on him to perform and adapt is immense, given that the team’s fan base and media demand nothing less than success.
“It feels like he’s got eyes in the back of his head,” said Ayton about Luka Doncic’s next-level pick-and-roll skills. This statement underscores the high expectations placed on Ayton to complement Doncic’s playmaking abilities effectively.
However, history has shown that falling short of these expectations can lead to scrutiny and criticism.
The recent case of Russell Westbrook serves as a cautionary tale for Ayton. Despite his willingness to adapt, Westbrook faced intense backlash when the team struggled, becoming a scapegoat for their shortcomings. This scenario highlights the precarious position Ayton now finds himself in.
The 2025-26 season is critical for Ayton’s career trajectory.
If he can deliver on Nash’s advice and become more dynamic, he has the potential to revitalize his career and contribute significantly to the Lakers’ success. Conversely, if he struggles or fails to meet these expectations, the criticism could be swift and harsh.
