Deandre Ayton Sounds Off on Lakers Role Amid Losing Streak

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton spoke out after the team lost two straight games against the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic.

Ayton, the biggest offseason pickup, is a former No. 1 overall pick who was drafted ahead of Luka Doncic.

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His talent as a player has always been highly regarded for his size and fluidity, but he has struggled with consistency, and character concerns have remained.

The Lakers were left needing a center after getting eliminated from the playoffs due to a lack of size on the interior.

Feb 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) play for the ball during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton signed with the Lakers to get his career back on track, and thus far, the results have been mixed.

He has arguably been outplayed on both ends by backup center Jaxson Hayes, who provides consistent energy, which can be refreshing compared to Ayton’s up-and-down effort levels.

Ayton scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds on Tuesday against the Magic, but he ended up getting iced out towards the end of the game.

“The ball finds energy,” Ayton told reporters. “They believe in me when I’m down there and sealing and they see me running hard to the rim and crashing, they reward me.”

He voiced his displeasure about his role, making it clear that he does not want to be a rim-running center.

“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said. “I’m not no Clint Capela!”

It will be interesting to see what happens with Ayton as the season progresses, if head coach J.J. Redick placates his inconsistent big man or continues to try to fit a square peg in a round hole.

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