Deandre Ayton Discussion: This Is A Platform I Can't Run From

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by JLaker17, Jul 2, 2025.

  1. Slick2021

    Slick2021 - Lakers MVP -

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2021
    Messages:
    10,139
    Likes Received:
    9,130
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Offline
  2. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
    Messages:
    19,374
    Likes Received:
    79,322
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Anaheim
    Offline
    Aw man, poor guy, nobody told him that’s not our actual goal this season when he agreed to sign

     
    lakerjones likes this.
  3. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2014
    Messages:
    30,621
    Likes Received:
    83,151
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Online
    yeah, didn't mean to imply he was like AD at all--just that we could barely manage a decent defense with AD back there, so expecting ayton to solve that is unfair. he'll help with defensive rebounding that we lost post-AD and be a huge improvement on hayes offensively.

    interesting that in his press conference he volunteers more than once that the exposure matters to him, that he's been forgotten.

    he seems kind of younger than he is, tbh. can't explain it.

    like that he's played with chris paul; feel like it prepped him for this--both in terms of on-court play and general expectations.

    love hearing him talk about setting a good screen! let's see if it happens. this was one of my very few gripes with AD. that and changing ends.
     
    LTLakerFan, SamsonMiodek and Cookie like this.
  4. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers Starter -

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Messages:
    3,206
    Likes Received:
    9,011
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Offline
    Come on Weezy haha! It's not that bad.

    Ayton isn't the defender AD is or the shooter that KAT is. But he can defend and he is a smart offensive player, if he is locked in - I expect us to have a fantastic season.
     
  5. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
    Messages:
    19,374
    Likes Received:
    79,322
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Anaheim
    Offline
    That wasn’t a commentary on Ayton himself, I’m excited to see what he brings, he looks very motivated and excited to be here. It was just a dumb joke about our roster.
     
    svtzr likes this.
  6. SamsonMiodek

    SamsonMiodek - Lakers 6th Man -

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2014
    Messages:
    1,345
    Likes Received:
    3,601
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Occupation:
    Family guy
    Location:
    Poland
    Offline
    I like the talk, now show me the walk young man.

    I feel like many people are sleeping on the Lakers. I listened to some premature western rankings and most commentators seem to have us in the play-in territory or below. While that's certainly possible in this western conference, on paper the Lakers should be higher IMHO. It seems like for some reason Luka has been vastly underappreciated since joining purple and gold. Both him and Ayton should be very motivated this season, AR too BTW. All of them are hitting their prime and should also be able to go for it throughout the season. If they do, we'll be enjoying moans and cries of outrage from other fanbases very soon.
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2025 at 4:49 AM
    OverseasG, LTLakerFan, Cookie and 2 others like this.
  7. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2014
    Messages:
    38,227
    Likes Received:
    63,933
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    So Cal
    Offline
    I liked the interview and liked his presence on the Lakers stage. Who was the last free agent signing that walked into that LA pit of beat writers that comfortable in his own skin and “stood” for the Q&A? Does anyone recall someone else just curious. He has been in the brightest of lights in the NBA Finals and says it’s what motivates him … being around players and organizations focused on winning (not whatever it was going on in Portland).

    Sigh. Mark Walters just bought the team and immediately put an end to the LeBron 1+1 PO dance. Yes Jeanie says she’s still here and of course Rob formally ….. who just got the BEST attainable and legit impact BIG man out there plus a FA in LaRavia that will have more impact for this team this year than DFS would have had coming off ankle surgery and already slowing down, not to mention the season after this 2 years older or after that if Houston picks up its PO. You keep harping on athleticism and then are right back dumping on FO after:

    Ayton (athleticism and multi O&D skills) = >>> Hayes
    LaRavia >>> DFS on perimeter (plus is up-trending 2-way player with a serious motor)
    Adou Thiero >>> the premier explosive, athletic 6’8” “2-Way” player in the draft (scoring comes multiple ways before even improving his 3 ball)
    Hayes re-signed >>> clearly athletic vertical game

    With no assets or picks yet given up. But sure the goal starting day one with the ultra competitive Walters in charge is NOT trying to be as competitive as possible toward winning a ring this season. Your opinion of course but there’s no get out of jail free card on bad opinions. They get challenged all the time. Look around. No one is picking on you. Free agency is less than a week old and the moves so far with having given up nothing yet of our remaining talent assets, expirings or future picks …. in other opinions, mine included …. have been excellent.
     
    LakeShowAZ and karacha like this.
  8. LakeShowAZ

    LakeShowAZ - Rookie -

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2017
    Messages:
    887
    Likes Received:
    2,075
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Offline
    Ayton thrilled to be with 'once-in-a-generation' Doncic

    "This feels like a video game, like somebody set it up," Ayton, decked out in an all-black suit, said at his introductory news conference. "This is an opportunity that I won't take for granted. Luka is a once-in-a-generation player, and I'm happy to be his teammate. Hearing about the kind of shape he's been in, he's super ripped, and I'm finally glad to be on his side."

    https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45697770/ayton-thrilled-once-generation-doncic

    He's saying all the right things

    Hopefully this all sinks in and he appreciates the opportunity he has with us

    Sees the shape that Luka and LBJ are in and buys into the full effort and getting into the best shape

    It's a win win all the way around
     
    SamsonMiodek and LTLakerFan like this.
  9. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers Starter -

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Messages:
    3,206
    Likes Received:
    9,011
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Offline
    What a great press conference. Austin’s really well spoken and quite introspective. I imagine he is a more sensitive type in how he brought up being forgotten a few times.

    If he plays with that chip on his shoulder and realises the opportunity and that he could be out do the league if he fails, he may very well make good on his potential.

    I’m rooting for him and hope he becomes our long term center.
     
    SamsonMiodek and LakeShowAZ like this.

Share This Page