Deandre Ayton did not deliver the debut many anticipated with the Los Angeles Lakers. In their preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns, the Lakers fell 103-81 on Friday, October 3, in what turned out to be an emotional night for the 27-year-old center. Facing one of his former teams, Ayton appeared tentative, and his lack of impact on the court reflected the weight of the occasion.
Deandre Ayton struggled in his first game
Ayton played 18 minutes in his first outing with the Lakers, finishing with only one point, eight rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and a steal. He also committed four turnovers and missed several field goal attempts, adding to what was clearly a frustrating night. The nerves of facing his ex-teammates may have contributed to his underwhelming performance.
After the game, Ayton spoke with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and shared his perspective on the debut.
Yeah, I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end than the offensive end. Like, I said from the get-go – I’m not really here for numbers and just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do. And the main objective is really protecting that rim and closing out possessions. I had fun man, just blocked some shots today. Just being that anchor, seeing how guys are responding to me, you know, just terminology and stuff like that. Just get out and be in the offense and create from our defense, so it was fun.
Ayton emphasized that his primary focus is to become the defensive anchor for the Lakers. While the box score did not favor him, his mindset was clear: contribute by protecting the rim, cleaning the glass, and sparking transition opportunities through defensive stops.
Ayton wants to be the Lakers’ defensive anchor
The Lakers acquired Ayton after his stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played the entire 2024-25 season. In Portland, he appeared in 40 games and averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and one block per contest. Though his production was steady, the Lakers are counting on him to elevate his defensive presence to complement their roster.
Despite his quiet start, the Lakers’ coaching staff expressed satisfaction with his effort, strength, and positioning. For them, the preseason is less about statistics and more about evaluating how new players adapt to the system. Ayton’s willingness to embrace a role focused on defense and rebounding was seen as a positive sign.
Moving forward, Ayton will be expected to solidify his presence in the paint and provide stability alongside the Lakers’ other stars. His effectiveness in anchoring the defense could become a deciding factor for a team with championship aspirations.
The Lakers’ preseason continues on Sunday, October 5, with their second exhibition game. Their regular season tips off on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors, a matchup already anticipated to deliver fireworks and intensity. By then, Ayton will hope to shake off the nerves and show why the Lakers see him as a cornerstone of their interior defense.
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