Since entering the NBA as the first-overall draft pick in 2018, Deandre Ayton has struggled to establish himself as a high-level big man. Ayton is now with the Los Angeles Lakers, having signed with the franchise after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract.
Ayton will now be tasked with anchoring the floor alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, Ayton is the most likely Laker to take a developmental leap this season.
“Deandre Ayton’s field goal percentage and scoring average are on a three-year slide, but that’s about to change,” Hughes wrote. “Playing alongside Luka Doncic will ensure Ayton has the cleanest looks he’s seen since Chris Paul was spoon-feeding him in Phoenix three years ago. While concerns about Ayton’s motor are legitimate, one assumes he’ll be motivated by playing alongside LeBron James—especially following a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers. Being paid to go away sometimes serves as a wake-up call.”
The Lakers need Ayton to be at, or near, his best in order for them to be a potential championship threat, both this season and moving forward. On paper, he projects as the type of big man who should thrive next to Doncic, especially if Ayton can make use of his positioning and size to offer a consistent lob threat.
Ayton Is Taking a Team-First Approach
On Friday, Oct. 3, Ayton scored just one point in almost 18 minutes of playing time as the Lakers lost to the Phoenix Suns 103-81. When speaking to the media after the game, Ayton detailed why he’s not focusing on his numbers or scoring output.
“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on [the] defensive end than the offense, in a way,” Ayton said, per Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. “Like I [said] from the get-go, I’m not really here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do. And the main objective is really protecting that rim and closing out our possessions. And I had fun, just blocking some shots, being that anchor and seeing how the guys responded to me, just with terminology and stuff like that,” Ayton added. “It was fun, honestly.”
The Lakers certainly have enough of an offensive punch. Therefore, Ayton’s approach should help bring some balance to JJ Redick’s roster. After all, the Lakers ranked 17th in the NBA for defensive rating last season.
Ayton Played Well In Lakers’ Loss To The Warriors
On Sunday, Oct. 5, the Lakers lost their second consecutive preseason game, falling to the Golden State Warriors 111-103. Ayton received 20 minutes of playing time as the team’s starting big man. He ended the night with seven points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Ayton’s defense at times was highly encouraging. He moved his feet well, battled on the glass and was often a reliable last line of defense. As would be expected, he continues to work on his offense, especially his finishing, as he works toward game fitness.
Nevertheless, Ayton is in an ideal situation to rebuild his reputation in the NBA. The early signs all look good. Now, he must build on that as he bids to prove that he’s capable of being a top-tier center in the league.
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