Trade talks are heating up across the NBA, and we got the most ridiculous “rumor” yet when there was talk of the Los Angeles Lakers targeting Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns.
There’s nothing to these links, Bleacher Report We simply said that the Lakers should go after a player like Brooks to improve, and we agree with them.
Deandre Ayton has had a bad time for the Lakers lately
The Suns aren’t worried about the Lakers or any other team right now, as they’ve racked up 20 wins and edge guys have restored their value before our eyes.
But if they were to take a look around Los Angeles, they would see that their own former first overall pick, Deandre Ayton, has struggled, and fans there are concerned.
“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” – JJ Redick on Deandre Ayton’s recent performances. Redick said it’s “human nature” for Ayton’s rebounding production to drop when he doesn’t feel involved. Said LAL will work to get Ayton early touches. pic.twitter.com/lLOr7KZqqb
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 3, 2026
It’s a scenario we’ve seen play out before in The Valley. When Ayton’s team loses or needs more from him to win, they find themselves falling short.
Even in their most recent game, a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, he had four points and six boards in 25 minutes. There have been calls for the 27-year-old to be benched, and it’s not hard to see why.
Compare that to the Suns, who despite needing a starting caliber big man before the season started, found the perfect player in Mark Williams.
He has stayed healthy and contributed to the excellent chemistry on display in Phoenix this season. Exactly what the Lakers would be trying to replicate for themselves if the ties to Brooks were real.
As you can see from the media availability with Lakers head coach JJ Redick above, Ayton is frustrated with his touches, and most likely his role, on that roster right now.
A scenario Suns fans will be all too familiar with, as Ayton felt the same way before fighting his way out of town, despite anchoring a group that went to the finals and was beloved in Phoenix as a result.
At least the Lakers haven’t invested a lot of time and money into Ayton, so they can just move on from him if they need to. But finding starting level big men is difficult these days.
That’s why the Suns traded for Nick Richards before figuring out he would be better used as a backup. Maybe they can convince the Lakers to take him off their hands? As for Ayton, I can’t say we’re surprised.
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