The addition of center Deandre Ayton was arguably the most important signing the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. The Lakers were terribly thin up front and Ayton provides them with a big body who cleans the glass and projects as a good pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James.
Ayton’s regular season debut for the Lakers was a bit underwhelming, however, as he finished with just 10 points and six rebounds in the 10-point loss to the Golden State Warriors. Turnovers were an issue as well with Reaves and Doncic combining for eight, while Ayton had four himself as they were all still figuring things out together.