The Los Angeles Lakers believe in their newest center, Deandre Ayton, to play a significant role in their success. Over the summer, Ayton was signed by the team after he was bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. The franchise signed him to be their starting center after they failed to acquire Mark Williams last season from the Charlotte Hornets.
Ayton is a well-experienced big man in the league. He was drafted No. 1 in the 2018 draft and was the second option to Devin Booker with the Phoenix Suns. DA also played a major role in the Suns’ 2021 Finals run. Unfortunately for the Bahamian center, he’s dealt with various criticisms about his effort and lack of defensive skills as a big man.
This time, however, it’s his offense that’s being questioned. Former Suns star Steve Nash commented on Ayton’s ability to roll to the basket, since that’s the kind of player who would benefit from playing with Luka Doncic.
The former two-time MVP appeared as a guest on “The Zach Lowe Show” and highlighted his concern for the Lakers’ new starting center.
“Ayton, I mean, he’s got to have a better year. We know he can put up numbers, but is he really going to roll? Like, that’s my big question there,” Nash said. “Is he really going to roll to the basket?”
“Because it doesn’t really help the Lakers or Luka help the Lakers if he wants to pop or slow down… They really need him to be dynamic, get in and out, get above the rim, be a vertical threat to draw the defense so Luka can do his thing.”
Nash understands the kind of player Doncic needs on the floor since he benefited from having a dynamic big man during his time in the league. His connection with Amar’e Stoudemire made the Suns an unstoppable offensive force.
Lakers forward highlighted Ayton’s offensive impact
Ayton is the ideal center to have, given his size and touch around the basket. While critics have made certain comments about his tenacity offensively, some of his teammates have stood up for him.
Now, his newest teammate, Rui Hachimura, spoke highly of Ayton’s offensive impact on the floor for the Lakers. Hachimura highlighted how the team can count on him on both sides of the floor.
“He’s got size, as you can see running around the court, offense, defense, whatever, rebound, he has the size. We can count on him,” the forward said. “On the defensive side, we can pressure the ball more. He can protect the rim all the time. We have a lot of options with him.”
Ayton has a chance to prove himself and silence the doubters in his new chapter.
For other sports-related content:
Follow me on X at @BarbecueBro, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Reign Amurao via email at reignamuraonba@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
