Lakers News: LeBron James Praises DeAndre Ayton, Credits Suns For Making ‘Right’ Draft Pick

Matthew Moreno
2 Min Read


After securing the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft for the first time in franchise history, the Phoenix Suns selected DeAndre Ayton who was a star freshman at the University of Arizona.

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He was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Wildcats. Ayton’s 24 double-doubles tied for the second-most ever by a freshman in Division I history.

Phoenix also acquired the draft rights to Mikal Bridges, who with Ayton, was added to a roster that’s headlined by Devin Booker. The young Suns faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday but were run off the court in a 131-113 loss.

Booker exited due to a hamstring strain, though Ayton produced a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The effort impressed LeBron James, who studies opponents as much or nearly as much as his own teammates.

“I think he has a lot of talent,” James said. “He’s going to continue to get better and better. I think they chose right.”

It marked Ayton’s third double-double in four games this season, and his points were good for an early career high.

James and the Lakers will get their next look at Ayton on Dec. 2 when the Suns visit Staples Center.

Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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