The Los Angeles Lakers do not view Deandre Ayton as the long-term answer at the five, according to Bleacher Report's NBA insider Jake Fischer. The seven-footer has produced strong numbers to start his time in LA, but there have been underlying warts. Ayton’s struggles to anchor the defense have head coach JJ Redick searching for answers. The worries are quickly mounting, but they may not last long.
The Lakers signed Ayton to a two-year $16.2 million contract in the offseason after he was bought out by the Blazers. The 2026-27 season is a player option. Even if Ayton opts in, Los Angeles isn’t viewing him as a long-term starter.