Deandra Ayton’s ‘contagious’ effect thinks LA needs more

LOS ANGELES – When is Los Angeles Lakers added Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia in the offseason, the prevailing thought was that the former Memphis Grizzlies duo would bolster the team’s defense. Both players recently moved into the starting lineup due to injuries to Austin Reeves and Rui Hachimura, and bring an infusion of energy that they received in the offseason. Deandre Ayton he says it’s “contagious”.

Deandre Ayton has been the last line of defense for the Lakers this season, anchoring himself in the middle and trying to make the basket after the shot. With Smart and LaRavia in the lineup, they helped alleviate that those shots with active hands and defensive intensity. That energy continues when Jared Vanderbilt enters the game, and Ayton has benefited tremendously from it.

“Before they pass, before they get those steals in the lane, they’re talking and communicating from the get-go,” Ayton said. “Just loud, early talk, which makes us comfortable, especially when I’m in the pick-and-roll and I can’t see what’s going on behind me. And when Wando is out there, he’s just totally boxing my guy, and he’s picking up those offensive boards or closing down the defensive possession, and he’s just trying.”

“Him (Jake) and Marcus, they’ve got those guys with big second efforts, it’s contagious,” Ayton continued. “What the team needs is black and white, and that’s how we run the offense.”

Sam Ayton has been impressive defensively this season, and has been among the loudest players on the field in terms of defensive communication. As for regular players, Ayton is third on the team in defensive rating at 115.4.

During the Lakers’ win against the Memphis Grizzlies last week, Ayton made it several big defensive plays to the basket, including a block on Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. Doc Aiton may have a few failings on that end, he was one of the team’s best defenders overall.

For the most part, he played his role well as the Lakers’ starting center. He averaged 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks, while leading the league in field goal percentage at 70.4 percent.

Smart, LaRavia and Vanderbilt are also among the Lakers’ most influential defenders, and it has shown in recent games. While the defense isn’t quite where it needs to be, it’s a noticeable improvement from a three-game losing streak.

The Lakers have one more game on their mini-road trip against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday before returning home to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday