Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Still Hasn’t Shared the Floor With Luka Doncic or LeBron James
deandre-ayton-waits-to-practice-with-doncic-lebron
LOS ANGELES — After five training-camp workouts and two preseason games, the Los Angeles Lakers have yet to put their projected starting five on the court together, leaving newly acquired center Deandre Ayton without a single practice rep alongside Luka Doncic or LeBron James.
Doncic and James missed the team’s first two preseason contests. While no injury has been reported for Doncic, head coach JJ Redick has indicated the organization is being cautious because the 26-year-old guard played for Slovenia at EuroBasket over the summer. James, entering his 23rd NBA season, is nursing a minor glute issue and, according to recent reports, may skip all six preseason games.
With both stars sidelined in games, practice has become the only opportunity to build on-court chemistry. Asked Wednesday if he had worked with either Doncic or James in practice, Ayton replied, “I haven’t. It’s something I’ve been waiting on and just got to prepare.” The 27-year-old center added that Redick and the coaching staff “probably have something” planned to accelerate team bonding once everyone is available.
Opening Night is two weeks away, giving the trio limited time to develop timing and familiarity. The Lakers have emphasized the importance of this camp after missing those reps last season, but the absence of their two primary ball-handlers has complicated the process.
Ayton Gaining Command of Playbook
Despite not sharing the floor with Doncic or James, Ayton said he is becoming comfortable with the Lakers’ system. “I’m starting to know their plays, what their schemes are, and in general Lakers spacing and Lakers basketball,” he explained. “The terminology and everything is starting to be easy where I can control each end.”
The Lakers resume preseason action later this week, still hopeful of getting their full starting unit together before the regular season begins.
Source: Lakers Nation
