Lakers’ Star Deandre Ayton Reveals ‘Wounded Animal’ Mindset Before NBA Season
Deandre Ayton was drafted first overall in 2018, ahead of All-Stars and MVP candidates like Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Brunson. As he prepares for his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he knows that the pressure is on.
He hasn’t been a bad player. He’s averaged a double-double in his career and is an efficient interior scorer. However, there are very real concerns about his work ethic, which have followed him his entire career.
As Ayton looks to establish himself as a winner, he used pointed language to be honest about where he’s at.
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – DECEMBER 06: Deandre Ayton #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Moda Center on December 06, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.
Ayton Embraces Los Angeles Lakers’ Expectations
Aside from making the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, Ayton has spent most of his career on underperforming or disappointing teams.
On the Lakers, he is well aware that it’s title-or-bust, and he heard fans express that he could have one foot out the door.
He was quick to silence any doubts.
“It’s the biggest opportunity I can say of my career,” he said bluntly at the Lakers’ media day. “Some people say it’s my last leg, some people say it’s my last chance.
Calling himself a “wounded animal” might not inspire confidence, although he was clear about the desperation and pressure he feels, and he insisted that he’s right where he wants to be.
“I’m happy where as a player, as myself, I get to get a chance to prove something big on a big stage,” he reassured.
Lakers Need Ayton to Be At His Best
Last season, his second with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, although it was the sixth season in a row where he failed to play in 70 games.
In Los Angeles, Ayton is the frontrunner to earn the starting center spot, a position he has held his entire career. For the first time, he seems willing to put team success above individual accolades.
“Being around guys and great athletes like Luka and LeBron, just embracing that and feeling that aura and just being a part of it and not taking it for granted, it makes
Even after playing with Chris Paul and Devin Booker, Ayton enters this season on the most talented roster of his career.
After making $35 million last season, Ayton is signed to a two-year deal worth only $8.1 million per season. Luckily for him, he has a player option after this season and can explore free agency if he manages to exceed expectations, although he made it clear to the media that he knows he has a long way to go.
Pete Carroll Gives Perplexing Answer to Raiders’ Plans with JPJ
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has never shied away from defending his players, but his latest comments about the team’s struggling offensive line have sparked frustration among fans.
When asked if changes could be coming to a unit that has consistently failed to protect Geno Smith and establish a run game, Carroll downplayed the idea of a major shakeup.
“We want to see JPJ [Jackson Powers-Johnson] come back to action and get back involved,” Carroll said. “In all phases of it, we got to get off the football better and make more of the running game. There’s not enough happening there to act on the play pass game, and we’re just not getting enough. So, we just got to keep working it. We got the guys we got, and we need to keep developing and keep building on it.”
That type of response, essentially “we have what we have,” has not gone over well with Raider Nation, especially when the numbers show just how much the line has struggled.
The Numbers Regarding the Raiders’ Offensive Line
Through three games, the Raiders’ starting offensive line has been a revolving door for opposing pass rushers. According to Next Gen Stats, here’s how each starter has fared in pass protection:
- LT Kolton Miller: 11 pressures, 2 sacks (120 pass block snaps)
- LG Dylan Parham: 15 pressures, 1 sack (120)
- C Jordan Meredith: 8 pressures, 1 sack (120)
- RG Alex Cappa: 11 pressures (82)
- RT DJ Glaze: 16 pressures, 4 sacks (119)
- RG Jackson Powers-Johnson: 5 pressures, 1 sack (38)
It’s silly to think the Raiders can just get rid of the entire offensive line, but there are changes the team can make now.
Powers-Johnson, who is recovering from a concussion he sustained during practice, is a natural center, not guard. Yet, Carroll seemed to point to him coming back at right guard, not center.
“We’re working at the right guard spot. Our young guys, they’ll get their turn sometime, but they’re not ready yet. So, we have what we have, and we got to make our guys do better, and we got to fit it together better than we have.”
Pete Carroll wants to see JPJ at RG – Good News
Bad news is he should play center
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) September 22, 2025
Jackson Powers-Johnson Should Play Center, Not Guard
During an appearance on The Rush with Maxx Crosby, he shared a revealing story about why center is where he belongs. In Week 8 last season against the Kansas City Chiefs, when starting center Andre James went down, coaches were frantically looking for a replacement. JPJ was furious when they considered others instead of him.
“I was irate, I was pissed … I went up to AP and was like ‘Coach, respectfully, I’m going to play (expletive) center. I won the Rimington. I can do this.” The Rimington trophy is given to the top center in college football.
For crying out loud, if Powers-Johnson wants to play center and has the accolades to back up his play, let him play center!
The line is not improving, and the Raiders’ offense is suffering because of it. Fans have also directed their anger at Pete’s son, offensive line coach Brennan Carroll, who many believe should be replaced. The cries for change are only getting louder, and patience is wearing thin.
