For many years, the Los Angeles Lakers could never find their starting center.
During Anthony Davis‘ tenure, he preferred playing the four, leaving LA struggling to find its five. As the team evolved into the Luka era, it was clear the Lakers’ center problem was holding them back from competing for a championship. The team was too small to defend at a high level.
When the Lakers acquired Deandre Ayton during the offseason, many NBA fans were unsure if this would solve the Lakers’ center problem. It felt like putting a Band-Aid on a gaping wound because Ayton was the only center really available at the time. Ayton had a lot of criticism to his name as fans felt he never reached his full potential.
Ayton’s start with the Lakers has exceeded all expectations, and he has proven to be the answer to the Lakers’ biggest problem.
Lob Threat
Luka Dončić is a big man’s best friend. He raises the floor of any center because of his ability to pass at any time and from any angle. The tandem of Luka and a vertical lob threat makes any defense nervous.
Over his career, Ayton has been criticized for his inability to catch and hold onto the ball. Catching the ball and securing it are among the biggest needs in a lob threat. This season, DA has been phenomenal at catching lobs from not just Luka but the whole team. Ayton has an amazing touch around the rim and uses that to his full advantage. The threat of a lob freezes up the defense and makes them hesitant to commit to guarding a player.
Lack of commitment from the defense can lead to easy layups and put an offense in a flow. As a defense starts to overcorrect for a lob, the easy kickout for three becomes available.
Ayton’s ability to catch lobs consistently is a key component of the Lakers’ robust offense.
Defense
Ayton has been instrumental to the Lakers’ defense this season. Last season, the Lakers lacked the bodies to guard the league’s best bigs. They also lacked a rim protector who consistently affected shots.
The former Phoenix Sun has truly anchored the defense with his strong presence and commitment to defending every night. He can handle being switched onto the perimeter. In an NBA landscape of constant switching and exploiting mismatches, a center who can guard the one or two for a quick moment makes all the difference in the world.
Ayton impressed in his match-up with Giannis on Nov. 15. Even though Giannis had a great game, Ayton’s willingness to compete and fight on the block with The Greek Freak stuck out. He was physical and didn’t give up.
Scoring
Deandre Ayton has wowed on offense. He has developed a versatile scoring presence, including jumpers, light touches around the rim, and a nice hook shot. He’s given the Lakers a steady place to turn for timely buckets.
The big man is averaging 15.5 points per game— a full step up from his final season in Portland. He has consistently created his own shots in addition to the amazing playmaking the Lakers have. Ayton’s shot selection is better than in past years, and his confidence seems to be at an all-time high.
For example, the Lakers played the Trail Blazers without Luka, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. This left Ayton as the No. 1 option. He went on to score 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting.
Performing this way against his old team, and not crumbling under the pressure of being the top option, proved Ayton had matured greatly from his Suns days and learned to use his offensive arsenal routinely.
Ayton’s scoring opens up the offense and makes the opposing big men expend energy on the other end.
Ayton’s Long-Term Future
The Lakers are one of the best teams in the West, and Ayton is a big part of that. He’s been a real team player and seems happy to be there. His teammates and coaches really seem to believe in him.
At 27 years old, Ayton fits exceptionally well with the new Luka timeline. The front office can now focus on finding other pieces that fit with Luka, Reaves, and Ayton. With more time to develop and build chemistry, the Lakers should be a formidable force in the West for years to come.
This seems like the first chapter in a long story between the Lakers and Deandre Ayton.
MORE CENTER SUCCESS: How Jonas Valanciunas is Fixing Denver’s Backup Big Problem
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