Lakers' Deandre Ayton joins Shaq, Kareem in epic franchise history
When the Los Angeles Lakers took a chance on Deandre Ayton last July, the front office hoped to unlock the physical dominance that made him a former first overall pick. On Friday night against the Washington Wizards, that gamble paid off in historic fashion. In a 142-111 blowout victory at Crypto.com Arena, Ayton didn’t just dominate the paint—he etched his name alongside the greatest centers to ever wear the purple and gold.
Ayton finished the contest with a staggering line of 28 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks in just 29 minutes of action. However, it was his ruthless efficiency that captivated the league. The Bahamian big man connected on 12 of his 14 field goal attempts, punishing the Wizards' interior defense with a clinic of lobs, drop-steps, and mid-range jumpers. According to league data, Ayton is now just the third player in franchise history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 85% or better from the field in a single game. The only other Lakers to achieve this specific feat are Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
For a franchise defined by its royal lineage of big men, seeing Ayton’s name listed next to O'Neal and Abdul-Jabbar is a significant milestone. While Luka Dončić orchestrated the offense with a 37-point triple-double, it was his developing chemistry with Ayton that broke the game open. Ayton served as the ultimate finisher, capitalizing on the gravity created by Dončić and LeBron James to feast at the rim without hesitation.
This performance marks the high point of Ayton's redemption tour in Los Angeles. After a tumultuous exit from the Portland Trail Blazers, questions regarding his motor and focus followed him to California. Friday’s masterclass answered those critics with force. While he has a long road ahead to match the championship legacies of Shaq and Kareem, Ayton proved that when he is locked in, he possesses the talent to carry the torch of the Lakers' "big man" tradition. For one night, "DominAyton" wasn't just a nickname—it was a reality.
Ayton finished the contest with a staggering line of 28 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks in just 29 minutes of action. However, it was his ruthless efficiency that captivated the league. The Bahamian big man connected on 12 of his 14 field goal attempts, punishing the Wizards' interior defense with a clinic of lobs, drop-steps, and mid-range jumpers. According to league data, Ayton is now just the third player in franchise history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting 85% or better from the field in a single game. The only other Lakers to achieve this specific feat are Shaquille O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
For a franchise defined by its royal lineage of big men, seeing Ayton’s name listed next to O'Neal and Abdul-Jabbar is a significant milestone. While Luka Dončić orchestrated the offense with a 37-point triple-double, it was his developing chemistry with Ayton that broke the game open. Ayton served as the ultimate finisher, capitalizing on the gravity created by Dončić and LeBron James to feast at the rim without hesitation.
This performance marks the high point of Ayton's redemption tour in Los Angeles. After a tumultuous exit from the Portland Trail Blazers, questions regarding his motor and focus followed him to California. Friday’s masterclass answered those critics with force. While he has a long road ahead to match the championship legacies of Shaq and Kareem, Ayton proved that when he is locked in, he possesses the talent to carry the torch of the Lakers' "big man" tradition. For one night, "DominAyton" wasn't just a nickname—it was a reality.
