Deandre Ayton opened up after the Lakers’ 119–109 season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors, calling himself a “confusing” big man to play with. The center suggested his style may not always match what teammates expect on the floor.
“Today I was realizing I’m probably a confusing big, when I can roll and stand just in the pocket,” Ayton told reporters, according to Larry Brown Sports. “It’s probably a little difficult for them sometimes.”
Ayton explained that his role in the paint sometimes leaves him hovering around the free throw line to stay available for passes. “I’m so used to the league having that low man on me, sometimes I can’t even finish a roll,” he said.
The Lakers struggled to contain Golden State in the second half, as the Warriors used a 19–4 surge to seize control. Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, while Stephen Curry added 23, hitting a clutch three-pointer late in the game.
Ayton’s teammate Luka Doncic also pointed to growing pains with chemistry and timing. “I think he prefers that pocket pass. I haven’t played, I don’t think, with a center like that,” Doncic said. “I have to do a better job just talking to him like what I want, what he wants.”
Despite Ayton’s self-reflection, he still contributed 10 points and six rebounds in his Lakers debut. Austin Reaves led the team with 26 points, scoring 13 in the fourth quarter. Marcus Smart added nine points and steady defense.
LeBron James missed the season opener for the first time in his 23-year career due to sciatica, leaving the Lakers without their all-time leading scorer. The team shot 25 percent from three-point range and made only 60.7 percent of free throws, making it difficult to keep pace with Golden State.
Ayton acknowledged that learning to adapt against top-tier competition is key. “You got to play some more and play against some more great teams like how we did tonight to really see what’s the common coverage for these teams,” he said.
The Lakers (0–1) will look to bounce back against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, aiming to establish better offensive and defensive chemistry. Golden State (1–0) heads home to face the Denver Nuggets in their next matchup.
