Ayton contributes to the Lakers' endless bewilderment

Irregularity, lack of consistency, defensive carelessness, but also unlimited resources for scoring and capturing rebounds. All of this is combined in the figure of DeAndre Ayton, whose impact on the Los Angeles Lakers is generally positive, although his lack of consistency and bad days make the team's management think they cannot rely on him for the playoffs.

A tremendous dilemma faced by the decision-makers in the offices of Los Angeles Lakers regarding the team's future. DeAndre Ayton is the clear representation of what the team is doing this season, alternating fabulous performances with disastrous nights where it seems impossible for them to contend for anything important. Doncic and LeBron deliver every day, but the performance of the rest of the players seems as if it depends on flipping a coin.

Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton combined for 74 PTS in the Lakers win!

Luka: 25 PTS | 7 AST | 5 3PM
Ayton: 25 PTS | 13 REB | 10-10 FGM
LeBron: 24 PTS | 4 REB | 7 AST | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/1v17pWeWU7

— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2026

Especially important is the role played by the Bahamian center. Supplied with balls by the two superstars, he is rediscovering a good version of himself on certain nights like the one he had against the Raptors, where he became the fourth player in franchise history to score 25 points and 10 rebounds without missing a shot. However, the management of Los Angeles Lakers continues to question if it is viable to aim for important things with him, and a trade is not ruled out.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ayton contribuye al desconcierto infinito de los Lakers