There’s some pressure on Deandre Ayton heading into his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Austin Reaves has some high expectations for his new teammate.
After the Lakers‘ 126-111 preseason win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, Reaves spoke to reporters and was asked about Ayton’s performance. The former No. 1 pick finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block.
Reaves didn’t hold back with his answer, bringing up Ayton’s time with the Phoenix Suns.
“Just how much skill he has. People forget about when he was in Phoenix and how dominant he was there and how he was one of the biggest reasons that team made it to the Finals (in 2021). Talent is high. Can play in the pick-and-roll. Can protect the rim. We need that. We need him to flourish in that role,” Reaves told The Orange County Register’s Khobi Price.
Ayton was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason, giving the Lakers a low-risk, high-reward option in free agency. He also had the same agent as Luka Doncic and is even close with the Slovenian star.
Deandre Ayton Embracing The Pressure
Coming off a disappointing campaign with the Portland Trail Blazers, some Los Angeles Lakers fans didn’t want the franchise to sign Deandre Ayton. But with the player already signed and ready, Ayton is not backing down from the pressure of wearing the purple and gold jerseys.
“Pressure is a privilege. Just to be in this environment and this city that holds as a unit, that really cherishes the organization. … It’s hard not to tell what they’re going for and what’s the goal and I don’t make it too complicated. Just staying in the gym every day and just staying consistent, proving to the organization and my teammates that I’m ready to do it,” Ayton said on media day.
There were a lot of expectations for Ayton after the Phoenix Suns drafted him first in 2018. He was very solid for the Suns, helping them reach the 2021 NBA Finals. However, he was no match against Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Phoenix blew up their roster after two years.
Ayton was traded to the Blazers in 2023 and didn’t make a lot of impact there. He was faced with a lot of questions about his work ethic and desire to live up to his status as a No. 1 pick.
Austin Reaves Suffers Minor Injury Against Warriors
Several Lakers fans were worried for Austin Reaves on Sunday. He seemingly hurt his knee during the game against Golden State, but he calmed the situation afterward. He revealed the extent of his injury is nothing to be afraid of.
The 27-year-old guard took a knee to his leg and was taken out as a precaution. With LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Adou Thiero and Maxi Kleber injured, the Lakers don’t need another player on the sidelines.
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Reaves was feeling good after the game. He’s not expected to miss any time, unless he gets rested for one of the remaining preseason contests.
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