When the Phoenix Suns selected DeAndre Ayton with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, expectations were sky-high. A 7-footer with elite athleticism, soft hands, and rim-protecting potential, Ayton was supposed to anchor a franchise in transition. Yet, over five seasons with the Suns and a stint in Portland, many have questioned his effort, motivation, and defensive impact. Now, with a fresh start in Los Angeles, the big question looms: can Ayton finally become the player everyone envisioned?

Critics have often highlighted Ayton’s inconsistency. While capable of dominating the glass and scoring efficiently around the rim, he has sometimes seemed disengaged defensively, allowing opponents easy points in the paint. His Portland tenure did little to silence doubters, as defensive lapses and inconsistent energy persisted. The NBA, however, is littered with examples of players flourishing after a change of scenery—and the Lakers may offer exactly that kind of environment.

The Lakers’ need is clear: size, rebounding, rim protection, and interior scoring. Anthony Davis’ trade to Dallas for Luka Doncic left a glaring hole at center. Ayton’s physical tools make him a natural fit, but the key question remains: will he protect the paint effectively enough to mask the Lakers’ defensive gaps? If Ayton can consistently deter drives, contest shots, and grab rebounds, he could stabilize the team’s interior defense and give perimeter defenders more freedom. If not, his presence may leave new defensive holes in an already shifting roster.

Ayton’s offensive game is strong in transition and on pick-and-roll plays. The Lakers, led by LeBron James, and paired with a superstar like Luka Doncic, could provide the perfect complementary setup. Both LeBron and Luka excel at creating opportunities for teammates, and their court vision may allow Ayton to showcase his scoring without being the focal point. The pairing could unlock efficiencies Ayton hasn’t consistently shown in Phoenix or Portland.

This summer, Ayton agreed to a two-year, $16.2 million deal with the Lakers. It’s a reasonable commitment for a player with untapped potential—one that allows the team to assess fit while giving Ayton a platform to prove he can handle the responsibilities of a starting center in a championship-contending environment.

DeAndre Ayton has the talent to be a dominant NBA center. The question is whether a new system, paired with elite playmakers like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, can finally bring out his full potential. If he can consistently protect the rim, dominate the glass, and score efficiently in the post, the Lakers may have solved a critical roster puzzle. But the stakes are high: after being the No. 1 pick in 2018, Ayton’s next chapter may define whether he truly lives up to the hype—or remains one of the NBA’s most tantalizing “what ifs.”