Steve Nash Questions Deandre Ayton’s Fit with Luka Doncic on Lakers Team
Former NBA star Steve Nash has raised concerns regarding Deandre Ayton’s fit with Luka Doncic on the Los Angeles Lakers. As the team prepares for the 2025-26 regular season, Nash shared his insights during an interview on The Zach Lowe Show.
Concerns About Ayton’s Compatibility with Doncic
Nash questioned Ayton’s offensive role, particularly his ability to execute a rim-running strategy alongside Doncic. He stressed the need for Ayton to be more dynamic, especially since Doncic is known for his ball-dominant playing style and focus on pick-and-roll scenarios.
Importance of Offensive Contribution
- Ayton’s performance is critical for maintaining the Lakers’ offensive balance.
- Nash noted that the current roster lacks elite defensive players, heightening Ayton’s importance on offense.
- He mentioned, “It’s going to be so important for him to make sure that offense hums.”
Lakers’ Preseason Challenges
The Lakers are nearing the end of their preseason with concerns about team chemistry and player health. Star player LeBron James is out due to a sciatica injury and will be reevaluated in three to four weeks. This absence impacts the team’s dynamics as they prepare for their regular season opener.
Luka Doncic’s Role
At the helm of the Lakers’ offense will be Luka Doncic, who has impressive stats from last season. After joining the team midseason from the Dallas Mavericks, he averaged:
- Points per game: 28.2
- Rebounds per game: 8.1
- Assists per game: 7.5
Deandre Ayton’s Arrival
Deandre Ayton recently joined the Lakers following a summer buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. He signed a two-year contract valued at $16.6 million, which features a player option for the second year. Last year, Ayton demonstrated his capabilities, averaging:
| Season | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Year with Portland | 14.4 | 10.2 | 56.6% |
In a recent preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, Ayton displayed his potential by achieving 10 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. This performance hinted at the possible impact he could have on the Lakers’ success this season.
Upcoming Matches
The Lakers will complete their preseason with a game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. They are set to begin the regular season on Tuesday, October 21, against the Golden State Warriors.
