Deandre Ayton Shines with Back-to-Back 20-Point Games
The Los Angeles Lakers’ success this season may very well depend on the performance of center Deandre Ayton, a key player they brought on board during the offseason. Lakers guard Austin Reaves underscored this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Ayton’s contributions. “We need the best version of him for us to be as good as we can be,” Reaves stated, highlighting the pivotal role Ayton plays in the team’s aspirations. “If he’s that, then we can be a really good team. If he’s not, I still think with talent, we can win some games. But for us to be what we want to be, we need him to be the best version of himself every game.”
Impressive Weekend Performances
Ayton responded to the pressure with back-to-back 20-point games during the Lakers’ weekend victories over the New Orleans Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks. These performances were a significant turnaround from his previous outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just six points on 3-of-5 shooting. His resurgence was not only a relief for the team but also a clear indication of his potential when he finds his groove.
Addressing Doubts and Expectations
Ayton’s motivation to excel stems from various factors, including the skepticism expressed by some around the league regarding his capabilities as a starting center. Rather than allowing these doubts to weigh him down, Ayton seems to be channeling them into his performance on the court. Lakers head coach JJ Redick took a creative approach to bolster Ayton’s confidence ahead of the game against the Bucks, donning a shirt that sent a clear message of support for the 27-year-old.
As the Lakers look to build momentum, the focus will remain on Ayton’s continued development and consistency. His ability to deliver strong performances could very well shape the trajectory of the team’s season.
