ESPN.com · Feb 26
Why the Lakers' success depends on Deandre Ayton -- and vice versa
Share
Copy Link
LikeOpen Extended Reactions
42
Reactions
Like
38
Interesting
Fire
ON THE LAUNDRY list of errors that doomed the Los Angeles Lakers in Tuesday's gut-wrenching loss to the Orlando Magic, Deandre Ayton's play wasn't one of them.
Far from it.
The Lakers center scored 21 points on just 11 field goal attempts and snatched a game-high 13 rebounds, giving L.A. a live, active big to combat Orlando's rugged front line of Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac.
Asked if the effort he played with was recognized by his teammates, leading to more opportunities, Ayton gave a diplomatic answer.