Lakers’ New Big Man ‘In The Same Class’ As 3x MVP, According To Analyst

Bold takes are the currency of modern sports media, and Jason McIntyre cashed in recently when he claimed that Los Angeles Lakers new addition, Deandre Ayton is “statistically in the same class” as NBA giants Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid—if only he had wanted to be in Portland.

The reaction? Polarizing. But what does the data really say?

The Numbers: Where Ayton Stands

Ayton’s efficiency is undeniable. His 58–63% shooting from the field often outpaces Jokic and Giannis. He averages a solid 10–11 rebounds per game—on par with the league’s elite bigs. But the similarities start to fade when looking at scoring and playmaking. While Jokic dishes out 7–9 assists and scores 25–27 points per game, Ayton typically puts up 16–18 points and less than two assists. The gap is real, and meaningful.

Head-to-head against Embiid, Ayton has averaged just 12.6 points and 7.9 rebounds across nine matchups, further underscoring his second-tier status.

Player Points/Game Rebounds/Game Assists/Game FG% Blocks/Game
Nikola Jokic 25–27 11–13 7–9 55–63% 0.7–1.0
Giannis Antetokounmpo 28–31 11–13 5–6 55–60% 1.0–1.5
Anthony Davis 24–27 10–12 2–4 51–56% 2.0–2.5
Joel Embiid 27–33 10–12 3–4 50–54% 1.5–2.0
Deandre Ayton 16–18 10–11 1.5–2 58–63% 0.7–1.0

Motivation Matters

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers
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McIntyre’s take hints at a deeper truth: Ayton’s inconsistency has often been tied to questions about engagement. His stint in Portland was steady but uninspired. Reports swirled about whether he ever truly bought into the Trail Blazers’ vision.

As Channing Frye bluntly put it on the Road Trippin’ podcast, “The Luka Doncic/Deandre Ayton screen and roll — that’s barbecue chicken… Defensively gross.” Frye went on to warn that LA’s allure can derail players lacking an obsessive drive to win.

A New Chapter With Lakers

Now with the Lakers, Ayton is embracing the pressure. “It fuels me,” he said. “This is a platform I cannot run from.” Teaming with LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the former No. 1 pick has a golden opportunity—and a short leash.

Still, skeptics like Paul Pierce remain unconvinced. “I’m not sure he’s the answer in winning a championship,” Pierce said, pointing to Ayton’s yet-unrealized potential.

The Verdict

McIntyre’s claim isn’t entirely baseless—Ayton’s efficiency and rebounding put him in the statistical conversation. But calling him comparable to MVP-caliber talents like Jokic or Giannis? That’s more projection than reality.

The Lakers’ bet on Ayton is a swing for upside. Whether he delivers—or fades under the LA lights—will define this chapter of his career.

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