Charles Barkley believes Deandre Ayton needs a big role with Lakers
2025-10-11 07:50
The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors in their next preseason game as they continue their preparations for the new NBA season. NBA legend Charles Barkley said in an interview that Deandre Ayton has a significant responsibility within the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 27-year-old Deandre Ayton joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July of this year. The center previously played for the Portland Trail Blazers. In the 2024/25 NBA season, Deandre Ayton played 40 games for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 14.4 points per game, 56.6% shooting and 18.8% three-point shooting.
NBA legend Charles Barkley said, "I want to tell you the key guy is Deandre Ayton. He left the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers because he was unhappy, and now he has to play well."
"If he can't play well next to LeBron James and Luka Dončić, then he can't play. What I'm saying is, as a tall inside player, if he can't play with them, then there's no excuse. He just needs to run and get a layup, dunk or alley-oop opportunity."
Furthermore, Charles Barkley said, “So, it’s a great opportunity for him, but he’s going to have to play at a high level because he’s going to have to guard those two guys on the defensive end.”
"LeBron James is no longer the best defender, and Luka Dončić never was. He also has to make up for the team's shortcomings on the glass, as the Los Angeles Lakers often play relatively small lineups."
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