Austin Reaves Calls Deandre Ayton Lakers’ ‘X Factor’ as Team Struggles
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LOS ANGELES — Guard Austin Reaves believes center Deandre Ayton holds the key to the Los Angeles Lakers’ postseason hopes after the club dropped two straight games on last-second shots.
Speaking to ESPN, Reaves gestured toward Ayton and said, “That guy right there is the X factor. He changes our ceiling.”
The comments came as the Lakers, now healthier than at any point this season with Reaves back from a calf strain and Luka Doncic returning from a hamstring issue, continue to search for consistency. Despite the improved roster, Los Angeles has been unable to string together victories.
Dip in Ayton’s Production Raises Concern
Ayton, acquired last summer to add an offensive presence in the paint, has seen his numbers fall sharply from the season’s opening weeks. Coaches have reduced his late-game minutes, and head coach JJ Redick has turned to alternate lineups as Ayton’s post touches declined.
Reaves and Ayton developed chemistry early in the year, but Reaves’ injury interrupted that rhythm. Since then, observers inside the organization have questioned Ayton’s engagement on the floor.
When Ayton records a double-double, the Lakers are nearly unbeatable. Team officials view his scoring as essential to lighten the load on Reaves, Doncic and LeBron James, though it remains unclear whether Redick can reignite the center’s offense before the playoffs.
Back-and-Forth With Clint Capela
Frustration surfaced publicly after a home loss to the Orlando Magic, when Ayton referenced his role and appeared to take a swipe at Houston Rockets center Clint Capela. Following Ayton’s subpar performance against his former club, the Phoenix Suns, Capela responded to the remark on social media, adding to the external scrutiny surrounding Los Angeles.
The Lakers resume play later this week still searching for the formula Reaves insists begins with Ayton.
Source: LakersNation.com
