Steve Nash Reveals the One Thing Deandre Ayton Needs to Do to Save His Lakers Career: ‘They Really Need Him to Want to Be a Little More Dynamic’
The prevailing belief surrounding Deandre Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles is that the Lakers have finally acquired a young big man capable of forming a dynamic partnership with Luka Doncic – one that would keep opposing defenses unsteady throughout games and keep them on their toes.
However, former MVP Steve Nash believes that if Ayton is simply viewed as a scoring threat around the rim and given a limited role rather than making him his defensive anchor, the seven-foot center won’t be able to revive his career either, nor will the Purple and Gold be able to maximize their winning prowess with his presence.
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Steve Nash demands more from Deandre Ayton
During his five years with the Phoenix Suns, when Ayton averaged 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, even helping the team reach the NBA Finals, it was always believed that he was on the verge of taking a giant step forward to announce himself as one of the most dominant forces in today’s NBA.
Then, in his subsequent stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton generated no buzz despite averaging 15.7 points per game over two seasons, as all the attention was on the fact that he was unable to appear in 60 games in either campaign.
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That’s why, while appearing on “The Zach Lowe Podcast,” Nash emphasized the urgency for Ayton for the 2025-26 season. He claimed that this 2025-26 season could not only improve the trajectory of Ayton’s career and bring him back into the spotlight, but that he should also take on a suitable running role on both ends of the court to prove that at just 27 years old, he can be considered a reliable force in the core of a new team.
“Ayton, he needs to have a better year. We know he can put up numbers, but is he really going to ride? That’s my big question there,” Nash said. “Is he really going to drive to the basket? Because it doesn’t really help the Lakers or Luka to help the Lakers if he wants to burst or if he wants to slow down, you know, in the short role and become a playmaker. Like they really need him to want to be a little more dynamic, get in and out, get past the rim, be a vertical threat just to draw the defense in, ask questions so Luka can do what he does and make the rest of this team better because they are going I have problems defensively.”
Ayrton has entered dangerous territory
Joining a storied franchise like the Lakers undoubtedly provides Ayton with a golden opportunity to reignite his career and reshape his narrative. But what he must remember is that with this opportunity comes immense pressure.
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Most notably, the Lakers’ history and fan base have always demanded excellence, and any collective failure is rarely seen as a shared responsibility. Simply put, players who fail to meet expectations often find themselves at the center of criticism. For example, the recent case of Russell Westbrook should be considered, in which, despite Brodie’s willingness to adapt and take on different roles during his time in Los Angeles, he became the scapegoat for the team’s shortcomings.
Today, Ayton faces a similar challenge. If the Lakers thrive, he could finally be recognized as the elite two-way center many once thought he would become. But if the team underperforms, the media and fans can turn on him in an instant, blaming him for setting the team back.
Related: Deandre Ayton Is Amazed By Luka Doncic’s Pick-and-Roll Genius: ‘It Feels Like He Has Eyes In The Back Of His Head’
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on October 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the Breaking News section. Add Basketball Network as your preferred source by clicking here.
