James Worthy did not sound convinced that Deandre Ayton is the right center for the Los Angeles Lakers moving forward.
The Lakers’ playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder exposed several roster questions, but the frontcourt discussion may be the loudest.
Worthy’s verdict was blunt because he believes the Lakers need more force, rim protection, and rebounding from that position than Ayton provided.
Deandre Ayton’s fit gets a harsh James Worthy review
James Worthy questioned whether Ayton’s style gives the Lakers what they need at center.
“His game is what it is. It’s just not what’s needed. He doesn’t like contact, you have to have some physicality at that position,” Worthy said.
That criticism cuts to the heart of the Ayton debate. He can score efficiently, finish around the basket, and produce solid numbers, but Worthy wants a center who embraces the dirty work.
The Lakers already have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves to drive the offense. What they need behind them is a big who can set hard screens, protect the rim, clean the glass, and absorb contact.
Worthy did not say Ayton has no talent. He said his game does not match what this roster needs most.
LA Lakers center search points beyond Deandre Ayton
Worthy then explained why Ayton’s stock has dropped in his eyes, especially after the Lakers’ postseason run.
“He’ll be a great pro for a while but I just think not being able to control the boards, not being able to protect the rim, not being there as a protector, that stock wasn’t what I thought it would be,” he added.
That is the bigger problem for Los Angeles. Ayton averaged efficient numbers in the regular season, but the playoffs demanded more physical impact. Against Oklahoma City, the Lakers needed someone who could slow drives, protect the paint, and make the Thunder feel bodies at the rim.
Instead, the discussion after the sweep has shifted toward finding a tougher center, the kind of big who can play a lower-usage role while still changing games defensively.
That is why Worthy’s comments sound like a warning. Ayton may remain a useful NBA center, but the Lakers’ next title push may require a different type of big man altogether.
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