Lakers Told to Move On from DeAndre Ayton After Playoff Struggles Ignite Debate
The pressure inside Los Angeles is rising fast as the Lakers’ playoff run teeters on the edge and now one name is at the center of a growing storm: DeAndre Ayton. With the franchise staring at elimination and a pivotal offseason approaching, strong voices around the league are questioning whether Ayton still fits into the team’s long-term vision.
The conversation escalated after ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith delivered a blunt assessment, suggesting the Lakers should seriously consider moving on from Ayton once their postseason ends. The concern isn’t about talent, but about impact. Smith pointed to what he described as a lack of urgency and intensity, warning that such energy can quietly affect a locker room already under immense playoff pressure.
Ayton’s situation is complicated by his contract structure. He is on a relatively team-friendly deal with a player option for next season, giving him flexibility and also leaving the Lakers with limited control over his future. While his numbers this season have been solid on paper, averaging around a double-double across points and rebounds, consistency has remained the biggest question.
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In the current playoff series, that inconsistency has become more visible. His production has dipped in the second round and his minutes have fluctuated as the coaching staff searches for more reliable impact against a high-paced opponent. Moments of passive defense and missed rebounding opportunities have only intensified scrutiny, especially in games where the Lakers have struggled to match physicality.
Head coach JJ Redick has publicly supported Ayton, calling him an important piece and pointing to earlier playoff performances where he played a key role in winning games. But even that backing exists alongside a growing reality inside the organization: the roster is likely heading for significant changes, especially with major salary flexibility expected in the offseason.
What makes this situation more important is timing. The Lakers are not just evaluating one player, they are reassessing the entire structure around their core stars. If Ayton is viewed as misaligned with the team’s identity moving forward, decisions could come quickly once the postseason concludes.
For now, everything still hinges on survival in the playoffs. But beyond the immediate games, a bigger question is forming in Los Angeles and it could reshape the roster around Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ next era.
Stay tuned, because the decisions made next could define the franchise’s direction for years to come.
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