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2h ago

Deandre Ayton Calls Himself a 'Wounded Animal' as He Steps In as Lakers' Starting Center

The former No. 1 pick casts Los Angeles as a prove-it stop after an injury-limited year in Portland on a low-cost deal with a player option.

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Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Ayton said at Lakers media day that he feels like a “wounded animal,” stressing daily training and urgency to seize what he called the biggest opportunity of his career.
  • He is expected to open the season as Los Angeles’ starting center, a role some around the league frame as a potential last chance to reset his reputation.
  • Last season in Portland he averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds but appeared in only 40 games, keeping durability and availability under scrutiny.
  • Multiple outlets report he signed a short-term, low-cost two-year contract with the Lakers that includes a player option, creating near-term incentives to outperform.
  • Ayton pointed to thriving alongside elite playmakers and now joins Luka Dončić and LeBron James after previously anchoring the Suns during their 2020–21 Finals run.