Even the most optimistic people couldn’t have predicted how well Deandre Ayton would fit in with the Lakers.
Ayton had 17 points on 8-9 shooting along with eight rebounds in the win. After the game, head coach JJ Redick praised Ayton not only for his play, but also for his awareness of what is required of him to maximize this team’s potential.
“I had a great conversation with (Ayton) this morning,” Redick said. “It’s essentially (he’s) doing a great job of understanding how the offense is being run and what the offense is being run through and then playing off of that, which we saw tonight. But the other point is his ability to punish smaller defenders. It’s something as a team, it’s not on him, as a team it’s something we have to get better at.”
“There was a play in the first half where he got an early seal against Cooper Flagg. It was super physical and got two points and then he got a point against P.J. Washington in the zone. That’s a dynamic we didn’t have at the end of last season. So the importance of him understanding it and for our guys to understand it…using his size and his agility and his strength and all the things that make him who he is, using it against switching defenses really. “Is going to be important.”
Ayton has been a great offensive player for the Lakers. His ability in the short role, high field goal percentage, and willingness to help the team even when he doesn’t get the ball gives the Lakers versatility at the five that they haven’t had since Anthony Davis left.
He has inks early and was able to be impressive and effective even in his first game back from a knee injury.
At this point, Ayton simply has to remain at this level of production. His chemistry with people and his attitude has been incredible. He is scoring well and is the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 8.9 boards per game.
With Ayton being receptive to Redick’s guidance and having a talent for executing his coach’s vision, signing Ayton appears to be the best decision the Lakers front office made this summer.
<a href=