Lakers Shine in Washington with Ayton’s Stellar Performance

On Friday night, Luka Doncic captured attention with a remarkable display in Washington, contributing to the Lakers’ strongest road victory of the season against the struggling Wizards.

However, it was Deandre Ayton, the starting center, who truly showcased what the Lakers expect from him Sunday night against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

It’s not just about his numbers.

Ayton recorded a double-double—28 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and three blocked shots against the Wizards, which certainly adds to the narrative.

This latest game represented Ayton’s third 20-point double-double in his previous 25 matches, after achieving seven in the first 17 games this season. He also attempted 14 shots, marking the seventh time in those 25 games that he made at least 10 field goals, which was a contrast to the earlier part of the season. With a game-best plus-minus of +30, he clearly had a meaningful impact.

But more than just the stats, there’s something else that should be noted. Ayton is increasingly becoming engaged, and that’s crucial.

The Lakers have expressed the need for Ayton to become more involved in their offensive plays. If he feels sidelined, it’s likely to affect other facets of his game, like defense and rebounding. This is something many big men in the NBA experience; they rely on their teammates to get them in the game.

Sure, the Wizards’ poor defense, especially in transition, made it somewhat easier for the Lakers to pass to Ayton.

Yet, it was evident from the outset that the Lakers were focusing on getting him the ball, and they benefited from his higher engagement level.

“It’s our responsibility to get him the ball,” LeBron James noted. “Feed the beast. When he’s active on the boards, it allows us to push the pace. He was a key factor in our win.”

The statistics back up James’ sentiments.

The Lakers have a 15-2 record when Ayton attempts at least 10 shots, whereas they’re 11-14 when he shoots nine or fewer. Additionally, they boast a 21-6 record when Ayton collects at least eight rebounds, and it drops to 5-10 if he grabs fewer than seven.

Last season, the playoffs ended poorly for the Lakers in the first round after losing four out of five to the Timberwolves, highlighting the importance of the center position in their lineup.

Doncic, James, and Austin Reeves could be the pillars that allow the Lakers to pose a playoff threat. Yet, Ayton’s commitment and contribution will ultimately dictate how formidable they can truly become.

“He definitely makes a difference,” Doncic remarked regarding Ayton.

While Ayton played impressively in Washington, it’s important not to overlook Doncic’s achievements against the Wizards.

He delivered a triple-double: 37 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds within just 31 minutes of play. He even scored 26 points with 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the first half alone. This is only the second occurrence since 1997-98 when a player has tallied a triple-double with over 25 points in the first half, a feat Doncic first accomplished in 2023 with the Dallas Mavericks.

His performance was aggressive and efficient, which coach JJ Reddick describes as decisive.

The Lakers’ success will largely hinge on Doncic’s leadership.

“He’s not just any player,” LeBron commented about Doncic.

But for the Lakers to realize their potential, as envisioned last summer when they built a team around Doncic, James, and the soon-to-return Reeves, Ayton will need to replicate performances like the one he delivered on Friday night.