How Is the Top Pick in the 2018 Draft Stepping Up for the Lakers to Begin the Year?
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into today’s matchup against the Miami Heat with a 4-2 record. Starting center Deandre Ayton is questionable coming into the game, even though he was initially listed as probable. He played only 17 minutes in their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first NBA Cup matchup on Friday, leaving the game with back spasms. He ended the game with nine points in the win. After six games, the former number one overall pick has had a great start to the season, especially after struggling during his first few years in the NBA. Since signing with the Lakers during the offseason, he has stepped up offensively, especially for an injured Lakers team that has had a rough start to the season, staying healthy.
As of the time of writing, Ayton is averaging about 15 points per game and eight rebounds per game. He has been active in the Lakers' offense, especially during the absence of star players Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Ayton has seen a rise in offensive opportunities, especially with Austin Reaves handling the ball more with Dončić and James absent. Reaves has been on fire over the past few games. He is currently doing a great job scoring and playmaking at a high level, and Ayton has seen more opportunities to put the ball in the basket, while being active in the Lakers’ offense.
Dončić is back in the lineup, and after a strong 44-point performance last game, he and AR15 should be expected to be guarded heavily by opposing defenses. Due to this, the former Arizona Wildcat will have more opportunities to be active in the Lakers’ offense. However, it is up to him to be motivated enough to play hard on both sides of the ball, as he tends to give up on some plays and not give his all in a play or two on either side of the ball. If he continues to play like he has been playing lately, expect Ayton to be a center that will be marked on scouting reports in no time.
