The addition of big man Deandre Ayton could have a major impact on the Los Angeles Lakers. At 7’0″ tall and 250 pounds, Ayton has the physical attributes the Lakers sorely needed in the middle. He is a great finisher at the rim and had great success as a rim runner in Phoenix, something the Lakers believe can be replicated alongside superstar guard Luka Doncic.
Ayton is also excellent on the glass averaging 10.5 rebounds for his career with more than three of those coming on the offensive glass. However, for all of his size and athleticism, Ayton has never been the best shot blocker and rim protector.
He averages just 1.0 blocks per game for his career and has averaged less than one per game in four of his seven NBA seasons. And even Ayton himself knows this is an area he needs to improve upon to reach his full potential with the Lakers.
“Mainly just protecting that rim as much as possible, closing out possessions and really leading just these things to buckets,” Ayton said during his Lakers introductory press conference. “Every pick-and-roll I set is a strong screen. When I roll to the rim, I’m rolling to the rim aggressively. Just really emphasizing the thing that the team wants. That’s my role in just really playing hard at it.”
The Lakers don’t need Ayton to be the next Shaquille O’Neal and average 28 points and 12 rebounds in order for this to be a successful signing. This team simply needs him to do exactly what he laid out here, which is to protect the rim, control the glass, set great screens and finish strong at the rim. Playing alongside Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves should only make his life that much easier, particularly on the offensive end.
But patrolling the paint on defense would have just as big, if not even more of an impact. Last season the Lakers had no deterrent when teams drove in the paint and if Ayton can provide that by blocking and altering shots and clearing the glass it would take this defense to a much higher level.
Deandre Ayton has a great relationship with Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal
The Lakers have a long history of excellent big men dating all the way back to George Mikan and including the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pau Gasol and Anthony Davis. The most dominant force, of course, is Shaquille O’Neal and the newest Lakers center Deandre Ayton has a great relationship with him dating back to his high school days.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
