Deandre Ayton's Role and Performance with the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Saturday. The No. 4-seeded Lakers will face the No. 5-seeded Rockets. This matchup follows recent games and player performances for the Lakers.

Recent Performance

In a loss to the Orlando Magic on February 24, 2026, Deandre Ayton recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds.

He defended against Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac. " It was Ayton's first 20-10 game in nearly a month. After speaking to reporters, Ayton said in the locker room, "They're trying to make me Clint Capela," referring to the Houston Rockets' backup center.

Capela played a role in the Rockets reaching two conference finals a decade ago. During the game, Luka Doncic passed to LeBron James in the final seconds instead of shooting. Ayton set a screen on Anthony Black to free Doncic for an open shot.

Ayton was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, ahead of players including Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Brunson.

Team Dynamics and Feedback

Marcus Smart, who joined the Lakers as a free agent last summer, commented on Ayton's performance.

Smart stated, "I think he's done OK. " Smart added that Ayton understands the need for improvement and the team is working to help him.

" after landing. Ayton played for the Phoenix Suns after being drafted and later for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2023 to 2025.

Sources reported that Ayton sometimes used personas like "Alejandro" or "Josh" when interacting with media, players, and coaches. Ayton has a standing reach of 9-foot-3, a 7-5 wingspan, and a 43-inch vertical leap.

Season Statistics Austin

Reaves observed Ayton practicing before a game against the Denver Nuggets.

" The Lakers defeated the Hawks that night, with Ayton scoring 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting and grabbing 18 rebounds. 9 blocks per game this season. He has appeared in 49 games, second on the team behind Jake LaRavia.

7% from the field, the second-best in the NBA behind Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves. If maintained, this would be the best field goal percentage by a Laker since Wilt Chamberlain in the 1972-73 season. The Lakers are 16-3 when Ayton attempts at least 10 field goals, though only three such games included James, Doncic, and Reaves.

500 record after the first 57 games, with their top three players together for only 13 games.

Early Season and Adjustments Ayton

recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds in six of the Lakers' first 15 games, including wins against the San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama and the Milwaukee Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Lakers went 4-7 from December 20, 2025, to January 12, 2026. " Lakers coach JJ Redick called a play for Ayton in the next game against Memphis, leading to 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Redick stated, "It's a tale as old as time for a big guy.

" Sources close to Ayton reported that Redick has advocated for him behind the scenes. Ayton has a tattoo reading "DOMINAYTON" across his upper back. Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka commissioned a T-shirt with a gold screen print for Ayton.