Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers
Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers
Deandre Ayton’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers is not going totally to plan. However, in recent games, Ayton’s production has left a lot to be desired.
In a recent episode of the “Road Trippin” podcast, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins let rip over Ayton’s perceived lack of urgency on the court.
“The s–t I’m witnessing from him right now is disturbing to watch him on the floor,” Perkins said. “He does nothing athletically, he’s not going to lunge for basketballs, he’s not going to make the extra effort – like I just don’t get it. Sooner or later, if I’m beefing with 10 people and I got a problem with 10 people and 10 people got a problem with me, it ain’t the 10 people that’s the damn problem. Sooner or later, I got to go check myself.”
Perkins comments come after Ayton’s last two performances saw him average 4 points and 6.5 rebounds, despite playing 18 minutes per game. For a player who was once drafted first overall and was supposed to provide a foundation in the middle of the floor, those numbers fall short of expectations.
“And just watching him, his body language… I could tell you this: We all played with LeBron James, boy, I know the signs when LeBron is off your a–, you ain’t even got to tell me,” Perkins continued. “I know the sign,s and it’s getting to that point. He just doesn’t play with any damn force. It’s a damn shame.”
The Lakers Have Multiple Problems
Ayton’s recent production isn’t the Lakers’ only issue. When speaking to the media on Jan. 22, following the Lakers’ 112-104 loss to the LA Clippers, head coach JJ Redick singled out Luka Doncic for criticism.
“There’s got to be a trust factor with all our guys,” Redick said. “Just trust the pass. That starts with Luka. He’s going to have the ball the most of everyone, and he’s got to trust the pass when it gets to him. When he’s playing in a crowd, he’s got to pass the ball. As much as we can talk about being connected on defense, you’ve got to be connected on offense.”
Doncic is a heliocentric talent. The offense revolves around him. However, he must begin trusting his teammates if the Lakers are going to have any tangible success moving forward.
Major Lakers Improvements May Come This Summer
In a recent article from The Athletic’s Dan Woike and Christian Clark, it was revealed that the Lakers may view the Feb. 5 trade deadline as somewhat of a stopgap.
“Lakers sources have referenced the time it took for Dallas to build out its most optimized rosters around Dončić,” Woike and Clark reported. “No potential move the Lakers make at the deadline will check more than one of those boxes. Some around the team believe the real work will happen in the summer.”
Regardless of what happens at the trade deadline, Reddick appears to have his work cut out. Ayton has to rise to the occasion of playing for such a storied franchise. Doncic must start trusting those around him. And, sooner or later, LeBron James needs to provide clarity on his future.
Only once all those issues are ironed out, will the Lakers know what areas need to be addressed in the summer.