Udonis Haslem has raised key points in the acquisition of DeAndre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers.
As Rob Perinka said one was needed after the team’s defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, La Lakers were in the center’s market.
Clint Capella, Al Horford and Brooke Lopez were all tied to the move to LA, but after DeAndre Ayton’s exit from the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers decided to take him with them.
The first overall pick in the 2018 draft splits the NBA community and rated a lot of ratings, but I don’t know if Ayton will move the needle for the Lakers, like former player Udonis Haslem.
Ayton got off to a solid start until the 2024-25 season, but injuries meant that he only appeared for the team 40 games.
He averaged 14.4 points per game and 10.2 rebounds per game, but stories of him being late in practice continued to surface.
Kendrick Perkins argued that the Lakers’ move is a great opportunity for Ayton to prove his capabilities as a differentiator in the NBA.
While Ayton is undoubtedly talented, former Miami Heat player Haslem doesn’t believe he fits well alongside the Lakers’ start rio.
“When you play with the boys, you want to roll a__ into the basket. Listen, the ball will play in Luka’s hand, the ball in LeBron’s hand, Austin will play,” Haslem told the OG podcast.
“I just don’t know if it’s running or not because I needed the size. Can DeAndre Ayton be the guy who can roll into the basket and catch Rob?
“Yes, he can, but does he have a drive to do that? You need to sprint every time, set that screen and have a motor to roll it into the basket with the motor.
Ayton was not a key piece of the Phoenix Suns team that played the NBA Finals. Playing with Chris Paul, Ayton flourished as he received many lobs and a simple bucket.
His move to the Lakers essentially sets him something similar as he has the best passersby in the game, LeBron James and Luka Donsic.
Ayton expressed his excitement to team up with Donsic, who is working hard in the offseason.
| season | Points | rebound | Field goal percentage |
| 2024-25 | 14.4 | 10.2 | 56.2 |
| 2023-24 | 16.7 | 11.1 | 57 |
| 2022-23 | 18 | 10 | 58.8 |
The 27-year-old averaged doubles throughout his career.
His abilities are what the Lakers are most grateful for last year as they struggled to generate points from almost everyone except Don Sic, James and Reeves.
He’s not known for his defensive game, but the Lakers hope that Marcus Smart’s arrival will help in that regard.
Ayton was just entering the height of his career and had problems with his attitude, but he played for the roster in the past, including the championship.
If he can replicate those performances, then Lakenation certainly has a reason to be excited about the potentially amazing season.