WASHINGTON, D.C. — LeBron James believes the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense runs best when Deandre Ayton is a focal point, and he made that clear after the center powered Friday night’s win over the Washington Wizards.
Playing at Capital One Arena on Jan. 30, 2026, Ayton dominated an undersized Wizards frontcourt, finishing with 28 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 12-for-14 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. The performance came three days after a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a game that had continued a recent dip in Ayton’s production.
“It’s our job to feed him — feed the beast,” James told Spectrum SportsNet postgame. “He was 12-for-14, converted everything in the paint, started with good energy, was dunking a lot and rebounding. When he’s rebounding, it lets us get out and play fast. He’s been key for our wins, for sure.”
Head coach JJ Redick had recently closed games with backup Jaxson Hayes because of Ayton’s struggles, but the No. 1 overall pick from 2018 reclaimed his role in Washington. James repeatedly looked for Ayton early in possessions and in pick-and-roll sets, and the 7-footer rewarded both James and Luka Dončić with several finishes at the rim.
Redick echoed James’s sentiment, noting that keeping Ayton involved is essential to the Lakers’ offensive efficiency. Los Angeles will look for a similar inside presence on Sunday when it faces the New York Knicks, a matchup expected to provide a stiffer test in the paint.
Source: LakersNation
