The Los Angeles Lakers have long been synonymous with greatness, a franchise steeped in championship glory and a rich history of superstar talent. Among their most iconic players, especially in recent decades, stand the dominant big men who have donned the purple and gold. Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis — each of these No. 1 overall picks has carried the hopes and expectations of not only the Lakers but an entire basketball community eager for the next era of success. As the Lakers look forward, one name stirs a familiar hope: Deandre Ayton. A former No. 1 pick himself, can Ayton be the next Lakers big man to lift the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy?
Shaquille O’Neal’s tenure with the Lakers from 1996 to 2004 is etched into NBA lore. Drafted first overall in 1992 by the Orlando Magic, Shaq quickly established himself as an unstoppable force. His move to Los Angeles marked a new dawn for the franchise. Teaming up with Kobe Bryant, O’Neal’s sheer size, power, and personality made him one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. During his eight seasons with the Lakers, Shaq captured three consecutive NBA titles from 2000 to 2002 and was named Finals MVP all three times. His impact extended beyond statistics — Shaq’s larger-than-life presence galvanized the team and reignited the Lakers’ winning culture, making him a legend in LA.
Fast forward a decade, and Dwight Howard, another former No. 1 overall pick, arrived with similar aspirations. Howard, drafted first overall in 2004 by the Orlando Magic like Shaq, was heralded for his defensive prowess, rebounding, and rim-protecting abilities. In 2012, he joined the Lakers, a franchise hungry to reclaim its past dominance. Expectations were sky-high; Howard was seen as the heir to Shaq’s throne, the anchor who could bring balance to a team still building around Kobe Bryant. However, his time in Los Angeles was short and tumultuous. Injuries, chemistry issues, and a Lakers team in transition prevented Howard from replicating Shaq’s success. Although his tenure lasted only a season, Dwight’s arrival reminded Lakers fans of the critical role dominant big men play in championship pursuits.
Enter Anthony Davis, the most recent marquee big man to headline the Lakers’ roster. Drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2012, Davis’ combination of size, skill, and versatility set him apart as a generational talent. His trade to the Lakers in 2019 was viewed as the final piece needed alongside LeBron James to create a championship contender. Davis delivered on the promise, playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship run. His elite defense, scoring, and rebounding complemented LeBron perfectly, making the Lakers title-worthy once again after a decade-long drought. Davis proved that a dominant big man with modern versatility remains essential to winning in the evolving NBA landscape.
The legacy of these three former No. 1 overall picks — Shaq, Dwight, and Davis — underscores the importance of elite big men to Lakers championship success. Shaq was the quintessential dominant center of his era, Howard the defensive stalwart with athleticism and rebounding excellence, and Davis the versatile big man who embodies the modern game’s blend of skill and defense. Their journeys also illustrate the highs and lows of Lakers big men, from Shaq’s sheer dominance and hardware to Howard’s struggles and Davis’ resurgence. These players set a high bar for any future Lakers center or power forward drafted first overall, casting a long shadow for Deandre Ayton to navigate.
Deandre Ayton, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, entered the league with immense promise. Standing 7 feet tall with an impressive wingspan and athleticism, Ayton’s skill set centers on rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring in the paint. His rookie season showed flashes of potential, and over subsequent years, Ayton evolved into a reliable contributor on a Suns team transitioning into a championship contender. Ayton played a key role in Phoenix’s run to the 2021 NBA Finals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and be a defensive anchor. While the Suns fell short of the title, Ayton’s development caught the attention of many as a big man with the potential to lead a team to ultimate success.
As Ayton finds himself linked to the Lakers, questions naturally arise: can he follow in the footsteps of Lakers legends and become the next championship-winning big man in Los Angeles? There are several factors at play in this assessment. First, the Lakers’ culture and expectations are unique. The franchise demands excellence and immediate impact, given its storied history and the spotlight it commands. Any player stepping into the big man role must not only possess the physical tools but also the mental toughness and leadership qualities to thrive under pressure. Ayton’s career so far demonstrates resilience and growth, but the Lakers’ environment presents a new challenge and opportunity.
Second, the NBA today favors big men who are more than just post players or rim protectors. Anthony Davis’ success with the Lakers highlights the value of versatility — the ability to switch defensively, shoot from mid-range and beyond, and create mismatches. Ayton’s game is still evolving; while his interior presence is strong, his perimeter shooting and defensive switching need refinement to meet the demands of a championship-caliber Lakers team. Should Ayton develop those skills further, his impact would be magnified, making him a more complete and dangerous weapon.
Third, chemistry and fit within the Lakers’ roster dynamics will be critical. The presence of stars like LeBron James requires big men who can complement and elevate their teammates’ performances. Shaq’s and Davis’ partnerships with LeBron (in Davis’ case) or Kobe (in Shaq’s case) are textbook examples of how superstar big men can propel a team to championships. Ayton’s ability to gel with the Lakers’ supporting cast, adapt to coaching strategies, and embrace a role that balances scoring, defense, and teamwork will ultimately influence his success.
Moreover, the Lakers’ front office and coaching staff have a history of surrounding big men with the right pieces, from perimeter shooters to defensive specialists, ensuring that their stars can excel. If Ayton joins the Lakers, the question is whether the team can build around him as effectively as they did with Shaq, Dwight, or Davis. The Lakers’ commitment to assembling a balanced roster that complements their big man will be crucial to championship aspirations.
It’s also important to acknowledge that winning a championship is a multifaceted endeavor, involving more than just talent. Injuries, timing, matchups, and a bit of luck all play significant roles. Shaq’s Lakers benefited from a stable supporting cast and strong coaching under Phil Jackson, while Davis’ Lakers were buoyed by LeBron’s leadership and a team built for versatility. For Ayton to capture a championship, all these elements must align.
Deandre Ayton’s career trajectory shows promise. He has demonstrated the capacity to be a dominant rebounder and rim protector and to improve his offensive game. With the right development, environment, and team support, Ayton has the potential to join the ranks of Lakers big men who have hoisted the trophy. His journey may not mirror the path of Shaq, who was instantly dominant, or Davis, who found immediate chemistry with LeBron, but the door remains open for Ayton to carve out his legacy in Los Angeles.
In the final analysis, the question of whether Deandre Ayton can become the next former No. 1 overall pick Lakers big man to win a championship is one filled with optimism, tempered by realism. Shaquille O’Neal set the gold standard for dominance and championship pedigree, Dwight Howard’s time was brief but instructive, and Anthony Davis showed how modern big men can adapt and thrive in a star-driven era. Ayton possesses many of the tools and attributes that have made these players successful, but success in Los Angeles will depend on growth, fit, and the Lakers’ ability to build around him effectively.
The Lakers have historically been a destination for transcendent big men, and their championship history reflects that truth. If Deandre Ayton can seize the opportunity, refine his game, and embrace the Lakers’ winning culture, he could very well be the next big man to bring a championship back to Los Angeles — continuing a legacy that has defined the franchise for decades. The journey ahead is challenging, but for Ayton and Lakers fans alike, the hope remains alive: the next Lakers big man champion is on the horizon.
