LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have been rolling to start the 2025-26 season. With their latest win, 129-119 against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, the Lakers improved to 14-4 and have won six consecutive games. A major reason for the Lakers’ strong start to the season has been Deandre Ayton. Following the Lakers’ win against the Mavericks, Luka Doncic spoke about the importance of Ayton’s presence on the court.

“He’s been amazing for us the whole season. . .he’ll keep doing what he does. Sometimes I need to get him more looks. But the way he plays on both ends of the floor is amazing. I really appreciate him,” Doncic said. “You just got to talk to him. At the end of the day, when you talk to him, he feels secure. He’s been playing amazing. He just needs to keep doing what he does, he’s helping us win every game.”

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Deandre Ayton’s addition the Lakers wasn’t without some concerns. But to this point, Ayton has been nothing short of spectacular for the Lakers, thriving in his role as the team’s starting center and anchor of the defense.

Ayton returned against the Mavericks after a one-game absence due to a knee issue. He finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocked shots in 36 minutes of play. He missed only one shot, going 8-of-9 from the field. And it wasn’t just being spoon-fed off passes from the Lakers’ elite playmakers either.

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Earlier in the day following Lakers’ shootaround, Ayton was bewildered over being asked about his defense, considering his detractors have often criticized his defensive effort over the years.

Ayton began his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns, helping them make a run to the NBA Finals in the 2020-21 season. He played five seasons with the Suns before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. After two seasons with the Blazers, Ayton agreed to a contract buyout, paving the way for him to join the Lakers.

It was painfully obvious that the Lakers needed an upgrade in the frontcourt after their disappointing playoff flameout last season. So far, Ayton has been exactly that. He’s appeared in 16 game to this point at a little over 29 minutes per game He’s been averaging 15.6 points, and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 70.7 percent from the field.