Austin Reaves Highlights Deandre Ayton’s Key Role in Lakers’ Preseason Plans
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After the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, guard Austin Reaves said newly acquired center Deandre Ayton is poised to become a cornerstone of the team’s lineup.
“His talent level is through the roof,” Reaves told reporters. The fourth-year guard pointed to Ayton’s standout stretch with the Phoenix Suns—particularly the 2021 Finals run—as evidence that the 7-footer can anchor both ends of the floor. “He can roll, finish, and protect the rim, and that’s exactly what we need,” Reaves added.
The preseason slate has provided extended minutes for Reaves and Ayton to refine their pick-and-roll partnership, with stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James yet to appear—James is not expected to suit up at all this preseason. Reaves said the connection with Ayton improves “rep by rep,” noting that on-court reads dictate whether he drives past a defender or calls for a screen.
Ayton’s outgoing personality, which reportedly led to friction with prior teams, has so far been well received in Los Angeles. “He’s going to shoulder a lot for us,” Reaves explained. “If we want to reach our goals, he has to be at his best. Building genuine relationships off the court will help us compete for each other on it.”
The Lakers finished last season without a true center, making the former No. 1 overall pick a significant upgrade in the frontcourt. Despite criticism that his career has fallen short of top-pick expectations, Ayton’s size and skill set fill a glaring roster need.
Reaves briefly left Sunday’s game in the third quarter after appearing to tweak his leg, but he confirmed afterward that he felt fine and had avoided injury.
Source: LakersNation.com
