Deandre Ayton Discussion: This Is A Platform I Can't Run From

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by JLaker17, Jul 2, 2025.

  1. KareemtheGreat33

    KareemtheGreat33 - Lakers Legend -

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    Screen setting monster...and not in a Draymond illegal way
     
  2. lakerjones

    lakerjones Moderator Staff Member

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    He's looking like the guy we hoped he would in a better environment. He's been playing really well for us and pretty much consistent at that 15 and 10 kind of double-double level thus far.
     
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  3. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    Very little to complain about, he’s looked super solid and very engaged, focused on screening and defense. For the price we got him he’s been a steal.
     
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  4. LakeShowAZ

    LakeShowAZ - Lakers 6th Man -

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    DA with a another solid game

    17 pts 10 reb 3 ast

    So nice to have a quality big and his effect on the over all game
     
  5. karacha

    karacha Moderator Staff Member

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    Yes, he is definitely bringing everything we were hoping for. Absolutely no complaints here.
     
  6. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

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    i have one small complaint--he didn't run back on defense a few times when he needed to, imo.

    otherwise, he's obviously just been a HUGE upgrade for us at center. a couple times a game he can create a bucket out of a situation that would have been a turnover a year ago, and he can get some of the blocks and rebounds in traffic we missed so much when AD left.
     
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  7. VladeD714

    VladeD714 - Rookie -

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    Rob cooked with this signing. Just freaking cooked.
     
  8. VladeD714

    VladeD714 - Rookie -

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  9. wcsoldier81

    wcsoldier81 - Lakers All Star -

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    Yeah he has great touch in the paint outside the restricted era . (24/36)

    Hopefully he will go back to his usual elite FG% in the restricted era too ( 74.1% at worst for the past 5 seasons)

    He's only 11 out of 21 so far at the rim this season
     
  10. Pioneer10

    Pioneer10 - Lakers All Star -

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    Paint is congested - a lot of minutes for the g league bench mob, Vando, etc who defenses aren't going to respect. I suspect the restricted area efficiency numbers go up when the Lakers hopefully get healthy and Ayton is back to the 4th/5th option with guys like Lebron in the corner. The gravitional pull of the defense is pointed right at the rim right now instead of away
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
  11. Astros

    Astros - Rookie -

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    He's automatic with the floaters. Is he the best big who can do it? It seems every shot goes in.

    I think JJ knew it was a mistake feeding Ayton 'lobs'. Ayton needs that running head start when he's rolling to the rim and then can drop his running floater.

    Or, if he's at the elbow, he'll hit you with a open midrange.

    The lobs don't work. Ayton's vertical is pretty low which is why he's not able to just dunk over everyone and has to take his time to put the ball up. He's not a Jaxson Hayes lob catcher. Best to use Ayton where he does the best. Midrange scorer who can hit a nasty floater.
     
  12. Wino

    Wino - Lakers Starter -

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    And he seems pretty happy and content in this role, he seems to be concentrating on doing the little things that helps the team. He is not as flashy as AD but dang, he is getting the job done and seems really consistent and dependable.
     
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  13. Wino

    Wino - Lakers Starter -

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    He is doing all this, on the fly, while still learning how to play with these guys. Luka and AR have had to figure out where to get him the ball and exactly how he likes it to be delivered. This will continue to improve for a few more games, until they all totally get it and expect it.
     
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  14. JLaker17

    JLaker17 - Lakers Starter -

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    Could you nitpick things? Sure, but he has been everything we needed, especially at the price point. Great start to the year.
     
  15. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers Starter -

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    He’s doing the critical small things for us. Firstly; he is amongst the league leaders on screens which is just so important for a modern NBA offense. Secondly, he is trying really hard on defense and holding his opponents to really low percentages. Lastly, he still rebounds well.

    If he keeps this up, he is a really great fit with our team personnel.
     
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  16. Slick2021

    Slick2021 - Lakers MVP -

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    The more his teammates get familiar with his sweet spots, the more his offense will uptick.
     
  17. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    Yeah, he set the screen that got Reaves free from McDaniels for the game winner

     
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  18. Toklat

    Toklat - Lakers Starter -

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    Quickly has become one of my favorites to watch.
     
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  19. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    Seems willing and not bad as well to go away from key if needed to defend. Moves well. This guy really is near (at?) DDR level with the mid-range shots. Wow! He looks bigger and more muscular when the camera's in tight on him. DUH .... I know. But I mean he can look slender from a wide shot but he really is thicker and stronger than that.
     
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  20. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers Starter -

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    There you go leads the league in picks and we’re scoring at almost 60% on those picks. Outstanding, can’t wait till Luka and LeBron come back to take advantage of it as well.
     
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