Despite a desperate effort in Game 4 to avoid a sweep, the Los Angeles Lakers fell short when Austin Reaves missed a crucial three-pointer in the closing seconds, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to complete a 4-0 series victory and eliminate the Lakers from the playoffs.
For the Lakers, this season ends with a sense of missed opportunity. Reaching the Western Conference semifinals without Luka Dončić was an achievement, but the gap in quality against the Thunder proved too wide to overcome.
With the season over, the Lakers must now focus on roster adjustments for next year. Several players, including LeBron James, could leave this summer. However, one player’s future with the team seems increasingly irrelevant: Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018 who was signed this season. In the series against the Thunder, Ayton averaged just 7.2 points per game and was completely outmatched in the paint, becoming a key factor in the team’s defeat. Now in his eighth NBA season, Ayton has given fans glimpses of promise but has never consistently performed at the expected level. Here’s a look at just how disappointing Ayton has been.
**Offensive Breakdown: Unable to Meet Team Needs**
Ayton entered the league with a reputation for polished low-post scoring. While he has maintained decent efficiency around the rim and a reliable mid-range shot, he has never reached star status. During the regular season, with limited touches, he averaged 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block, shooting 67.2% from the field—respectable numbers. But in the playoffs, his performance fell off a cliff: 10.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, with his shooting percentage dropping by 14.1%. Clearly, Ayton struggles in high-pressure situations.
Against the Thunder, he managed just 29 points over four games (7.2 per game) and shot only 46.6% from the field. Oklahoma City’s defense was able to focus on containing James and Reaves, ignoring the interior threat. Worse, Ayton has shown little improvement over the years. In a small-ball era where many centers have added three-point shooting, he remains confined to mid-range and below. In the entire playoffs, he attempted only 12 shots from mid-range or beyond, a major frustration for the Lakers.
Ayton’s lack of focus and professionalism has also been a concern. Head coach JJ Redick publicly criticized his effort. Apart from a couple of strong games against the Rockets in the first round (19 points, 10 rebounds and 18 points, 17 rebounds), Ayton’s offensive game completely collapsed when it mattered most.
**Defensive Struggles: Overwhelmed by Thunder’s Twin Towers**
Ayton’s defensive issues are well-documented. His “soft” style of play often gets exploited, and this series was no exception. The Thunder’s interior duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein gave him fits. Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor forced Ayton to cover ground between the paint and perimeter, draining his energy. Over four games, Holmgren averaged 20 points and 9.7 rebounds, shooting over 63% in three of those contests. Had Holmgren’s three-point shooting been better, Ayton’s struggles would have looked even worse.
Meanwhile, Hartenstein outperformed Ayton despite scoring only 8.7 points per game. He shot an incredible 80% from the field, often matched up directly against Ayton. Hartenstein also dominated the boards, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds in the series, which created second-chance points that repeatedly erased the Lakers’ leads. His strength and physicality (6’11”, 250 lbs) consistently troubled Ayton, making the former No. 1 pick a liability on defense.
Overall, the Lakers’ elimination can be attributed not only to Dončić’s absence but also to Ayton’s poor performance. While he is under a two-year, $16.2 million contract, if a more suitable center becomes available, Ayton could easily be replaced.
