Since arriving in Los Angeles, Lakers center Deandre Ayton is embracing a new role as a more defensive-minded center. After his previous tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, head coach JJ Redick centered Ayton’s role around rebounding and protecting the rim.
Though he has not been perfect, the Lakers did not have a center option like this last year after trading Anthony Davis. The former No. 1 overall pick is safety valve on offense along with showcasing signs of a growing backline defender.
However, Ayton cannot do it alone as L.A. is struggling mightily on the defensive end as of late. Despite these worrying results, he believes they can become a better cohesive unit on defense.
“Most definitely. It’s really just communication and accountability out there, that we’re trying to emphasize,” Ayton said. “We’re really still trying to get to know each other, like I said, it’s different people out there every night. It’s different groups out there almost every night, having different guys out there. Really just trying to feel each other out in a sense just contributing the right way and knowing roles as in sticking to them. Especially when we get deflated in these games when we’re battling.”
Specifically for Ayton, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with protecting the paint and covering up other players’ mistakes. While there have been strides of improvement, he shared what he can do personally to be better as a leader.
“Holding my guys accountable, especially starting with me,” he said. “But, just holding the team accountable letting there be a trust barrier. No matter how the game is going, we stick to these principles no matter what. Knowing our guys, whether they are not touching the ball, not in rhythm, no matter what it is, we stick to this role of not approaching the game a different way. This is how we play, this how we’re going to play on defense, hard and second efforts.”
The saying is actions speak louder than words, so the starting center went into detail on how he can act on the accountability he is preaching.
“Me starting off with examples, just me leading by example as in doing what I’m supposed to do. Finishing my role the right way, accepting my role no matter the situation, the games and things like that. That’s the best way to be accountable, you being the example.”
Outside of holding himself accountable, Ayton speaks to his comfort level of holding his teammates responsible, specifically when it comes to the stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
“My job is to correct everybody on defense just to correct the right coverages,” Ayton said. “It is a thing where you know personnel, not everybody can go up to LeBron and think they can tell LeBron how to do certain things and do things certain ways. It is all about personnel and knowing and taking constructive criticism, that’s all about togetherness. I think once we get a feel how to really bring each other up, we’re going to get rolling her in a second. I feel like we as a team, collectively talking, it’s getting there to be honest. It’s just we have different groups out there every day.”
Injuries have hampered the natural growth of this team certainly, but it is still up to the players to weather the storm. Ayton brings up great points and hopefully after having a bit of self reflection as a group, the Lakers can bring up those good vibes again.
Deandre Ayton discusses how Lakers will make up for Austin Reaves’ absence
It was announced on Saturday that Austin Reaves would be sidelined at least four weeks with a grade 2 calf strain, which is a massive blow to the Lakers. Replacing 26 points a contest is not easy, but Ayton shared how the team can make up for Reaves’ absence.
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