The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 110-115 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder, completing a 0-4 series sweep. Luka Dončić’s absence certainly impacted the team, but even with him on the court, the Thunder appeared to be the superior squad throughout the series. The Lakers now face an offseason filled with tough decisions from the front office.
Two players who joined the Lakers on discounted contracts hoping to rebuild their market value this season were Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton. Smart has arguably succeeded in his mission: despite modest regular-season numbers (9.3 points, 3 assists per game on 39.5% shooting), he stepped up significantly in the playoffs, averaging 12.9 points, 5.1 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1 block. His defensive resurgence, particularly his playoff steal and block averages, should boost his value well beyond the $5 million-plus he earned this year.
Ayton, on the other hand, has failed in his bid for a career revival. As a former No. 1 overall pick, expectations were naturally higher. His regular-season averages of 12.5 points and 8 rebounds were barely acceptable, but his weaknesses were glaringly exposed in the playoffs. In the series against the Thunder, Ayton was completely outplayed by Oklahoma City’s interior players, managing only 7 points and 7 rebounds per game while offering little on either end of the floor. He struggled to score, defend, or even secure rebounds against athletic opponents. Playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić, such poor production indicates a significant decline in ability.
Once the top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft ahead of talents like Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Trae Young, Ayton was brimming with potential. However, after leaving the Phoenix Suns, his performance has steadily deteriorated, diminishing his market value. Last summer, he took a two-year, $16.2 million discount to join the Lakers, hoping to restore his reputation. Instead, his postseason showing—especially the 7+7 averages—likely dashed any chance of landing a major contract in the future.
At 28 years old, Ayton should be in his prime, but his play resembles that of a player at the end of his career. Standing at 7’0″ with a 7’6″ wingspan and weighing 250 pounds, he possesses excellent size and a refined offensive skill set. Yet his lack of physicality, poor effort, and aversion to contact have drawn criticism. Ayton has often been described as playing “soft,” lacking the aggression and competitiveness needed to succeed in the paint. After eight seasons, it appears the former phenom may have truly fallen off. He holds a player option for next season, and it is widely expected he will exercise it, remaining with the Lakers. But given his underwhelming output—taking up over $8 million in cap space without providing meaningful contributions—the Lakers will likely look to trade him.
Do you think the Lakers will move on from Ayton?
