Deandre Ayton’s Los Angeles Lakers debut acquired quite a lot of consideration following their loss to the Golden State Warriors.
On the opening evening of the 2025-26 NBA season between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, all eyes had been on Deandre Ayton.
In spite of everything, it was Ayton’s debut within the purple and gold. With the Lakers dropping by 10 factors, Ayton turned a straightforward goal for followers and the media.
Even earlier than his debut, Ayton was suggested to play just like the Lakers’ Anthony Davis. Merely put, that meant making his presence felt above the hardwood forest.
Nevertheless, Haynes stated Ayton was unable to take action within the 119-109 loss to the Warriors.
“We have seen this. I am not going to say he performed badly. I believe he was (5-7) from the sphere. 10 factors, six rebounds, one block, however he is obtained to make his presence felt each recreation.”
“You’ll be able to’t simply disappear, particularly when his group is undermanned,” Haynes stated on The Affiliation.
Ayton was held to 10 factors in a recreation by which Luka Doncic scored 43 factors and Austin Reeves added 26 factors.
The largest purpose for that was Ayton’s lack of taking pictures, as he tried simply seven photographs in 34 minutes.
The Lakers have a terrific roster, no less than on paper, however they have not been at their greatest to start out the season. why? Now, LeBron James is sidelined attributable to proper sciatica ache.
Haynes reiterated that time and believes it is the largest purpose Ayton must make his presence recognized.
“Once I say undermanned, I imply with out LeBron. Ayton has to assist the Lakers. He cannot float. He simply hasn’t established himself and created a presence,” Haynes concluded.
In spite of everything, it is just one recreation and the Lakers have loads of time to push Ayton to be extra aggressive on the courtroom.
There isn’t any particular timeline set for when the King will return to the courtroom, so the earlier the higher.
 
 
 