Deandre Ayton rewards Lakers for an investment bigger than money

The Los Angeles Lakers took a chance on center Deandre Ayton at a time when he was at a career crossroads. Fresh off of being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton signed with the Lakers, bringing him to his third team in four seasons.
For as bold as that investment was, the Lakers’ greatest display of faith in Ayton has been their refusal to remove him from the starting lineup. After a turbulent ride, he’s rewarding their belief.
Ayton has started each of his 65 appearances in 2025-26. It’s a perhaps surprising fact considering he’s been called out by head coach JJ Redick for needing to be more active on defense, has publicly criticized the role he’s been asked to play, and ultimately spoke candidly to the media about needing to be honest with himself about the player he is.
For as polarizing as that process has been, Ayton appears to have meant it when he said that he was committed to being the