Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton believes his team must raise its defensive intensity after an inconsistent start to the season. Speaking to Spectrum SportsNet following a victory over the Phoenix Suns, the 27-year-old big man said recent scouting reports have been “pretty embarrassing” and called for greater commitment on that side of the ball.
“We’re a really good offensive team, but when you look at the numbers over a 10-game span, it’s terrible,” Ayton said. “We’ve got to have some pride on the defensive end.”
Numbers underscore concern
The Lakers sit 20th in defensive rating through the season’s first quarter. Opponents are shooting 24th-best overall and 28th from three-point range against Los Angeles. Ball security has also been an issue: the club ranks 27th in points off turnovers allowed and 23rd in fast-break points conceded.
All six of the Lakers’ losses have come by double digits, with foes averaging nearly 124 points in those games. Ayton, who anchors the paint, said head coach JJ Redick highlighted the defensive lapses during recent film sessions and practices.
Redick challenges roster
According to Ayton, Redick “really got on us” in meetings, stressing the need for tighter rotations and better transition coverage. The message appeared to resonate during the win over Phoenix, where Los Angeles held the Suns to a season-low point total.
Redick previously praised Ayton for his rim protection in a victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. The center is averaging 1.6 blocks per game while guarding the league’s second-highest volume of shots at the rim, per team data.
With Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James powering an offense that ranks among the NBA’s best, Ayton said sustaining defensive focus is essential if the Lakers intend to contend deeper into the season.
Source: Lakers Nation
