Deandre Ayton was drafted first overall in 2018, ahead of All-Stars and MVP candidates like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Brunson. As he prepares for his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he knows that the pressure is on.
He hasn’t been a bad player. He’s averaged a double-double in his career and is an efficient interior scorer. However, there are very real concerns about his work ethic, which have followed him his entire career.
As Ayton looks to establish himself as a winner, he used pointed language to be honest about where he’s at.
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 06: Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center on December 06, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.
Ayton Embraces Los Angeles Lakers’ Expectations
Aside from making the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has spent most of his career on underperforming or disappointing teams.
On the Lakers, he is well aware that it’s title-or-bust, and he heard fans express that he could have one foot out the door.
He was quick to silence any doubts.
“It’s the biggest opportunity I can say of my career,” he said bluntly at the Lakers’ media day. “Some people say it’s my last leg, some people say it’s my last chance. This is an opportunity I can say I’m truly not going to take for granted. It’s almost like a wounded animal. I feel all the tension, and I know where I’m at. I’ve been in the gym every day.”
Calling himself a “wounded animal” might not inspire confidence, although he was clear about the desperation and pressure he feels, and he insisted that he’s right where he wants to be.
“I’m happy where as a player, as myself, I get to get a chance to prove something big on a big stage,” he reassured.
Lakers Need Ayton to Be At His Best
Last season, his second with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, although it was the sixth season in a row where he failed to play in 70 games.
In Los Angeles, Ayton is the frontrunner to earn the starting center spot, a position he has held his entire career. For the first time, he seems willing to put team success above individual accolades.
“Being around guys and great athletes like Luka and LeBron, just embracing that and feeling that aura and just being a part of it and not taking it for granted, it makes me want to work even harder,” he added. “It’s just helping me embrace everything even more.”
Even after playing with Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Ayton enters this season on the most talented roster of his career.
After making $35 million last season, Ayton is signed to a two-year deal worth only $8.1 million per season. Luckily for him, he has a player option after this season and can explore free agency if he manages to exceed expectations, although he made it clear to the media that he knows he has a long way to go.
Lakers’ Star Deandre Ayton Reveals ‘Wounded Animal’ Mindset Before NBA Season