Overview
- Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz ranked Ayton the NBA’s sixth‑most overrated player at the All‑Star break, citing effort concerns and limited growth.
- Ayton is averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 block on 67.5% shooting, yet opponents are converting 59.3% at the rim with him as the primary defender.
- The Lakers sit 23rd in defensive rating and are near the bottom in opponents’ two‑point percentage and paint points allowed, with Ayton central to the concern as the starting center.
- Ayton has missed three of the past four games with a knee issue that is not considered serious, and he is expected to be available Feb. 20 against the Clippers.
- Backup Jaxson Hayes has surged during Ayton’s absence, including a 16‑point, 7‑rebound, 4‑assist, 3‑steal, 1‑block, plus‑26 outing, fueling calls to consider a rotation change as the Lakers assess Ayton’s $8.1 million player option and long‑term fit next to Luka Dončić.