The Los Angeles Lakers will enter training camp with renewed optimism, with Luka Doncic looking deeply motivated in his first full season with the team, as he underwent a physical transformation in the summer.
The Lakers did not make big splashes in the offseason, only adding Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia. While some might say that they're paltry acquisitions, the Purple and Gold could benefit from familiarity by choosing to maintain the core.
Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have proven that they can mesh well despite their high usage rates. Now, the complementary pieces around them need to step up so they can return to the NBA Finals after successive early exits in the playoffs.
Lakers player who will break out in 2025-26 season
It is expected that Doncic, James, and Reaves will provide the lion's share of the production. They will continue to serve as the Lakers' barometers, and their chemistry should be an advantage.
But if there's one player who should also make his mark, it's Ayton. He has yet to fulfill his full potential since being drafted as the first overall pick in 2018. He has already been surpassed by his batchmates like Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies in terms of achievements.
Now, Ayton has a good chance to host his coming-out party with the Lakers. He should benefit from pick-and-roll sets and become a lob threat. With the unselfishness of Doncic, James, and Reaves, Ayton should get ample opportunities to score.
The 27-year-old center has shown that he can produce when he's fully engaged. He's still a double-double threat despite his obvious shortcomings. He's more polished offensively than Hayes and isn't too shabby as a defender. He can disrupt shots with his length and mobility.
Perhaps coach JJ Redick could even consider pairing Ayton with Hayes for brief stretches to give the Lakers a different look, especially on the defensive end.
Last season, Ayton averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 40 games with the Portland Trail Blazers. His season was cut short due to a calf injury.
Deandre Ayton's injury history
Of course, Ayton's breakout season is hinged on his health. The only time he has played at least 70 games was during his rookie season. He missed 69 games in his two-year stint with the Trail Blazers due to various injuries.
Perhaps he could get tips from the personal trainers of Doncic on how to improve his physique amid the rigors of the NBA. He could also seek the help of James, who has remained in top condition at 40 years old.
The Lakers are not new to having an oft-injured big man. Exhibit A: Anthony Davis. While he helped bring a championship in 2020, being sidelined frequently derailed the team's consistency (he only played 36 games after winning the title). Surely, the Lakers don't want Ayton to be on a similar path.
Doncic and James play better when they have a dependable pivot alongside them. They have also repeatedly shown that they can elevate their teammates' games to new heights.
Ayton may never be at par with other great big men of the Lakers—George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O'Neal—but having a breakout campaign in his first run in Los Angeles will definitely endear him to fans.
