PHOENIX — Lakers’ Season Rests on Ayton’s Performance

As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for their matchup against the Suns, it’s only been three games since the All-Star break, but a recurring theme has emerged: the potential of this team hinges significantly on Deandre Ayton’s performance and how well he aligns with their expectations.

In fact, Ayton represents a crucial variable in the Lakers’ success this season, a point he underscored last week.

Consider the victory over the Clippers last Friday. Ayton contributed 13 points and seven rebounds in just 28 minutes. While those numbers aren’t eye-catching, his on-court energy certainly was.

A memorable moment came when he executed an impressive alley-oop from LeBron James during a fast break, extending the Lakers’ lead to 14 points. That play really electrified the crowd at Crypto.com Arena.

Then, in the home game against the Magic, Ayton demonstrated the kind of offensive prowess the Lakers are searching for. Using his hefty 7-foot, 252-pound frame, he exploited Orlando’s defensive switches, racking up 21 points and 13 rebounds. This marked his first 20-point game and double-double in nearly a month.

His efforts particularly shone in the second quarter when he scored 13 points and collected four rebounds. Ayton himself remarked, “Ball definitely finds energy. They believe in me when I’m down and watch me sprint to the rim and crash. They keep rewarding me, building on every possession to maintain rhythm throughout the game.”

But consistency has been an issue. Take, for instance, the recent loss to the Celtics, where Ayton’s performance raised some eyebrows. He ended the game with four fouls and just two points, shooting 2 for 6 in 25 minutes.

It seems that beyond scoring, the Lakers needed more from him in terms of energy. Coach JJ Reddick commented on the positive developments seen in Ayton’s play, particularly on defense, noting, “His spirit and engagement were good. We need to trust each other more and communicate better.”

However, Reddick also pointed out a key moment where Ayton failed to sprint down the court after a Celtics player fell, missing a potential 5-on-4 opportunity for the Lakers.

Looking ahead, Ayton’s role in the team cannot be understated. He inked a two-year, $16.2 million deal with the Lakers after parting ways with the Trail Blazers, and everyone is keen to see how he integrates into the squad.

Notably, the Lakers have a solid 23-9 record when Ayton grabs at least seven rebounds in a game and an enviable 16-3 when he scores at least 10 field goals.

The challenge here is that many of Ayton’s impactful offensive performances have occurred when key players like Luka Doncic, James, or Austin Reaves were sidelined. Out of the 19 games where he took 19 or more shots, only four featured all three stars playing together.

With fewer touches, maintaining a high level of play becomes increasingly crucial for Ayton—something a lot of big men grapple with when they depend on their teammates for scoring opportunities.

The Lakers are relying on Ayton to contribute in more subtle ways, like effective screens, sprinting up the court, or being a dominant presence in the paint. He’s shown he can deliver, with an impressive average of 3.7 screen assists per game, ranking sixth in the league. Yet, if he’s not getting the ball, his impact will naturally diminish.

“He’s fine,” said Marcus Smart, sharing a moment with Ayton in the Lakers’ locker room. “He can definitely improve, like the rest of us. But what impresses me is his awareness; he’s working on it. We’re all figuring this out together. This is a new experience for everyone. He’s great and trying hard, but he knows there’s another level we must reach. We’re here to support him in getting there, but he recognizes he plays a part too.”