Every year, each team has hits and misses in free agency. Some gambles work out, and others don’t. While the Lakers still have some work to do with their roster, one area they look good in is the center position.
And that’s because Deandre Ayton has been so good.
Ayton has started in all 26 games he’s played this season and is averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. While those numbers are typical for Ayton, he is producing at that level while playing the second-fewest minutes of his career at 26.6 per game.
The reason for this is that his shot-making has been unreal as he’s shooting a career-best 70% from the field. Only his frontcourt mate, Jaxson Hayes, has a better field goal percentage for the Lakers.
“He really has been as consistent as anyone on our team with his play and his approach,” Redick said. “He’s been fantastic for us all season. To have a guy that is going to play 30 to 34 minutes and gets you a double-double almost every night, we don’t take it for granted. He’s had a great, not a good season, a great season for us. I love him in that short roll area. I don’t know if it’s his first, but it’s certainly the first that I remember, first lob pass for a dunk in that short roll area.
‘But his touch is just, it’s unique. It’s one of one. Or maybe there’s [Nikola] Jokic, I guess, but for a guy that size, he’s just got great touch in that sort of six to 10 foot range and really has been an outlet for us not only in pick and roll and short roll, but also out of the post. He’s done a really nice job of flashing the basketball when his man kind of sinks a little bit too low and we’ve gotten good stuff out of that.”
Now, a position that was a weakness is a strength and another big is low on this team’s priority list of needs.
Everyone involved deserves credit for this Ayton acquisition working. From the front office for taking the chance, to Redick for optimizing his new center, to Ayton himself, taking advantage of this opportunity.
And all signs indicate this redemption season will continue, and that the Lakers will benefit from his elite play, incredible scoring efficiency and lively, fun attitude.
