Tue Oct 21 22:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Nash Questions Ayton’s “Roll” in Revamped Lakers Offense

LOS ANGELES, CA – Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash, speaking on The Ringer’s “The Zach Lowe Show,” has voiced concerns regarding new Laker center Deandre Ayton’s offensive role and potential impact on the team’s success. Nash, while emphasizing Ayton’s ability to “put up numbers,” questioned whether the former No. 1 overall pick will fully embrace the rim-running, vertical threat needed to optimize the Lakers’ offense, particularly alongside Luka Doncic.

“Ayton, I mean, he’s got to have a better year,” Nash stated. “We know he can put up numbers, but is he really going to roll? Like, that’s my big question there. Is he really going to roll to the basket? Because it doesn’t really help the Lakers or Luka help the Lakers if he wants to pop or if he wants to slow down, you know, in the short roll and become a playmaker.”

Ayton, signed to a two-year, $16.2 million deal this offseason, displayed impressive lob threat abilities during his time with the Phoenix Suns playing alongside Chris Paul. Nash suggests the Lakers need him to replicate that same energy: “Like they really need him to want to be a little more dynamic, get in and out, get above the rim, be a vertical threat just to draw the defense.”

Nash emphasized the need for Ayton to be a more consistent vertical threat to open up opportunities for Doncic and improve the team’s overall offensive efficiency. He also noted that the Lakers currently lack “elite defenders,” making Ayton’s offensive impact even more critical.

“I think they just don’t have like elite defenders at this stage,” Nash continued. “They have positional size, but for them, it’s going to be so important for him to make sure that offense hums, make sure he’s diving, letting Luka be at his best. Otherwise, you know, that delta between offense and defense will become really problematic.”

Ayton’s fit within the Lakers’ offense, particularly his willingness to embrace a more dynamic rim-running role, will be a key storyline to watch this season.

(Author’s Note: This article makes no statement on Steve Nash’s Hall of Fame status.)

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