Marcus Smart Says Deandre Ayton Has Been Standout Learner in Lakers Camp
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LOS ANGELES — Guard Marcus Smart singled out new center Deandre Ayton as the player who has impressed him most during the Los Angeles Lakers’ training camp, praising the 7-footer’s willingness to seek guidance and embrace coaching.
“Deandre’s been really good, talking to me,” Smart told reporters after Thursday’s practice. “If he gets frustrated or doesn’t understand why things are done a certain way, he comes over and asks, ‘What do I need to do? What do you see?’ That’s big. I’m proud of him; he’s stood out in that aspect.”
The Lakers signed Ayton in the offseason to shore up the center position and traded for Smart to add perimeter defense and veteran leadership. The two newcomers have quickly developed a rapport that the organization hopes will translate to the court.
Ayton arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation for being difficult to coach, but early camp sessions suggest a different narrative. The 27-year-old has emphasized defense over scoring, even as some observers question his offensive impact.
With LeBron James expected to miss about a month because of injury, the club will likely need additional scoring from Ayton. Smart’s mentorship could help the former No. 1 pick expand his role while maintaining his defensive focus.
Ayton said during Lakers Media Day that sharing the floor with Luka Doncic should simplify his responsibilities, comparing the opportunity to his productive years alongside Chris Paul with the Phoenix Suns. “I dominate best with playmakers, and I’m here once again,” Ayton said. “Playing alongside Luka is going to make a lot of things easier.”
Source: Lakers Nation
