Deandre Ayton Quietly Emerging as Key Frontcourt Force for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers’ strong start to the 2025–26 NBA campaign has been fueled by more than just star power. While Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves carried the team during LeBron James’ early-season absence, one of the biggest surprises has been the steady rise of new center Deandre Ayton.

Los Angeles currently sits at 11–4 in the loaded Western Conference, and Ayton has played a major role in helping the team maintain high-level consistency on both ends of the floor.

Ayton already surpassing expectations

Ayton’s previous season with the Portland Trail Blazers was widely viewed as underwhelming, and his offseason arrival in Los Angeles was met with skepticism across the league. However, the 26-year-old big man has quickly silenced those doubts.

In the Lakers’ recent win over the Utah Jazz, Ayton delivered one of his best performances yet, recording 20 points and 14 rebounds. That showing marked his sixth game this season with at least 20 points and 10 boards.

Remarkably, he has already matched his total from the entire previous season — and it took him just 14 appearances to do so in purple and gold.

Stability in the frontcourt

While Dončić and Reaves handle much of the offensive creation, Ayton has provided interior scoring, reliable efficiency, and a consistent presence on the glass. His early production suggests he may be playing some of the best basketball of his career.

If he continues at this pace, Ayton could become one of the season’s most impactful under-the-radar moves — and a major reason the Lakers look like one of the West’s true contenders.