Deandre Ayton Struggles in Lakers Debut Against Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a challenging start to their season as they fell 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors on October 22, 2025. Much of the spotlight fell on Deandre Ayton, the team’s marquee signing during the offseason, as he struggled to make an impact in his debut. Ayton’s performance raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, who are questioning his fit within the squad.

In 34 minutes on the court, Ayton managed to score only 10 points on seven attempts, alongside six rebounds and one block. His inability to assert himself in the paint was noticeable, particularly against a smaller Warriors lineup. Steve Kerr’s team capitalized on their speed and agility, leaving Ayton unable to leverage his height advantage effectively at both ends of the floor.

Defensively, Ayton was overwhelmed by veteran forward Draymond Green in rebounding contests and showed hesitance in offensive matchups against Jonathan Kuminga. His performance in the pick-and-roll was particularly troubling, as Ayton struggled to adapt to the fast-paced style of play, leading to multiple mistakes. After the game, he acknowledged his shortcomings, stating that he had “messed up multiple pick-and-roll plays” with teammate Austin Reaves, resulting in costly turnovers.

Ayton’s defensive stats also reflect his challenges in this area. With a career average of just 1.1 blocks per 36 minutes and a defensive box plus-minus of -0.2, he has consistently underperformed as a rim protector. This raises questions about why two previous franchises moved on from him despite his talent and being a former No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

The Lakers, under the direction of head coach JJ Redick, will need to address these issues quickly to avoid a difficult season. With Ayton’s motor and character often under scrutiny, fans are left wondering if he can improve and become the player the Lakers envisioned when they signed him.

As the season progresses, the organization faces a critical period to integrate Ayton effectively into their system. While his talent is undeniable, the early signs suggest that it may take significant adjustments for both him and the team to find success moving forward. Lakers fans are bracing for what could be a turbulent season ahead as they hope for a turnaround in Ayton’s performance.