Deandre Ayton has struggled to win over fans during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers this season. The former number 1 overall draft pick arrived with high expectations. Many believed this was his chance to reset his career.
After being waived by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton landed in Los Angeles with an opportunity to play alongside superstars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
For a while, it looked like a fresh start. But injuries and inconsistent performances have again raised questions about his future.
Deandre Ayton injury update raises concerns for Lakers
Ayton is currently dealing with a knee problem. Knee injuries are especially worrying for centers because the position demands constant movement and physical battles inside the paint.
Throughout his career, Ayton has already faced multiple knee related issues. Those injuries have sometimes affected his mobility and overall impact on the court.
For the Lakers system to work smoothly, the center needs to move well and run pick and roll actions with playmakers like Doncic and James.
That chemistry is a major part of the team’s offense. When the center cannot move quickly or stay healthy, the entire system becomes harder to execute.
At the moment, there is still no clear timeline for when Ayton will return.
Jaxson Hayes stepping up as Lakers starting center
With Ayton unavailable, Jaxson Hayes is expected to take over the starting center role.
Hayes has already stepped into that position several times during the last two seasons. His energy, speed, and athletic ability make him a different type of big man compared to Ayton.
Head coach JJ Redick has made it clear that he trusts Hayes to handle the responsibility.
After the Lakers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets, Redick spoke about Hayes’ performance and said he felt very confident in the young center. Hayes played close to 28 minutes in that game and showed strong effort on both ends of the court.
Redick also mentioned that missing Maxi Kleber in the lineup made things more difficult for the team during the game.
Even with those challenges, the coach believes Hayes can help stabilize the position while Ayton recovers.
Deandre Ayton’s future with the Lakers is facing questions
Ayton’s current situation could have serious consequences for his career.
He holds a player option for the 2026 to 2027 season. If his performance and reputation continue to decline, accepting that option may become his safest choice.
The former top draft pick has already earned significant money during his NBA career. However, securing another large long term contract may become difficult if his struggles continue.
Right now, the Lakers are focused on staying competitive in the playoff race. If Hayes performs well in the starting role, it could make Ayton’s path back into the lineup even more complicated.
For a player who once entered the league with superstar expectations, the next few months could be very important for rebuilding his reputation.