As Deandre Ayton embarks on a fresh start with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN analyst and former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins isn’t pulling any punches. Perkins cautioned Ayton about the massive expectations that come with donning the Purple and Gold, reminding the 7-footer that this opportunity could be his final shot at proving himself in the NBA.
“He better come in with the right mindset because this could possibly be his last shot,” Perkins said on ESPN’s Road Trippin podcast. Perkins emphasized the daunting challenge Ayton will face going head-to-head with elite Western Conference bigs like Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, and Anthony Davis. “When they heard the Lakers were signing Ayton, they want some action, big fella,” he warned.
Perkins stressed that playing for a storied franchise like the Lakers demands more than talent — it requires focus, hustle, and consistent effort. “You got Magic Johnson watching you. Big Game James Worthy is watching your a**. You can’t fool the Lakers organization or their fans. They’ll call you out,” he added.
Ayton’s addition to a Lakers team led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic has drawn mixed reactions. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, a former Suns staffer predicted Ayton would frustrate teammates with lackluster effort, while a former Blazers staffer argued Ayton could thrive given his fresh start and the reality that he’s no longer viewed as a max-contract centerpiece.
As Ayton enters his eighth NBA season, all eyes will be on whether he can seize this chance to reset his career, earn the trust of Lakers fans, and help push L.A. deeper into contention.
Kendrick Perkins Issues Stern Warning to Deandre Ayton After Lakers Signing
