The Lakers’ win over Dallas showed they have a legitimate small-ball option they can trust. It’s a lineup they can intentionally lean on when circumstances demand it. It’s an option, but not their only option.
Versatility Is Becoming the Lakers’ Identity
The Lakers are starting to show real versatility. They can play different styles depending on the opponent and available personnel. That’s not something they could consistently say last year.
Against Dallas, small ball emerged because the Lakers’ centers weren’t giving them quality minutes. But instead of spiraling, they adjusted. Good teams don’t just have strengths; they have counters. The Lakers are beginning to develop those counters.
Ayton’s Inconsistency
A lot of pessimism around the Lakers right now is centered on DeAndre Ayton, and the criticism isn’t coming out of nowhere. He’s been inconsistent. But that inconsistency implies that there are good games to go along with the bad ones.
When Ayton is engaged and decisive, the Lakers can play big. They can control the glass, protect the rim, and slow the pace. That option still exists, and it’s important not to lose sight of it. The problem in Dallas wasn’t that Ayton is unplayable — it’s that he wasn’t good that night. The difference this season is that a bad Ayton night no longer sinks the entire team.
Optionality Is the Real Upgrade
This is where the Lakers have quietly taken a step forward. If Ayton is playing well, they can lean into size. If he’s not, they aren’t forced to stay the course and hope it magically turns around. They can pivot. They can go to Jaxson Hayes for traditional center minutes, or they can downsize and play at a faster pace with more pressure.
That optionality didn’t exist last season. The Lakers didn’t choose small ball — they were trapped in it. Over time, that wore the team down physically and defensively. By the playoffs, it was clear the approach wasn’t sustainable.
Last year’s Lakers played small ball almost by default. This year’s Lakers play it by choice. Small ball is no longer the only road available — it’s one of several paths the team can take depending on circumstances.
The Bottom Line
It’s looking more and more clear that DeAndre Ayton is not the Lakers’ long-term solution at center. And while that is disappointing, it’s not the end of the world. He was still an upgrade over what they had last season and has given this team true versatility.
