Deandre Ayton fires back at ‘no defense’ critics.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers they come into their NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday as the No. 2 team in the Western Conference at 13-4. Although the Lakers are off to a good start, their defense still has room for improvement. One player, however, who was Deandre Ayton is on defense for the Lakers this season.
Deandre Ayton was the Lakers’ rim protector and interior presence on the defensive end, and has a big task against the Mavericks with Anthony Davis ready to return to the Dallas lineup after injury. During a media availability session after the Lakers’ shootaround Friday morning, Ayton fired back at his critics who suggested he doesn’t play defense.
“This question for me, Deandre Ayton, judging his defense is pretty crazy. I thought I had no defense. I can’t answer that for you. You’re going to have to read the numbers on what I’m contesting or what my shooting percentage is,” Ayton said. “The last time I saw him, he was down 20 percent for somebody’s shooting average. … And I think I’m leading the league in turnovers as well, big change at guard.”
Ayton has appeared in 15 games for the Lakers so far this season he was on the field as the closest defender to the rim, opposing teams shot 12.9 percent less than usual within six feet of the basket, according to Khoba Price of The Southern California News Group.
When it comes to the Lakers’ regular rotation, Ayton’s defense rating 113.9 is the top three on the list, according to StatMuse. If you exclude Jared Vanderbilt, who fell out of JJ Redick’s rotation in recent games, Ayton is second only to Luka Doncic in defensive rating.
There were many narratives surrounding Ayton during his time with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers, but he was exactly what the Lakers needed at a starting center.
Ayton also hit back at critics who didn’t think the Lakers would be in this position to start the season with a record 13-4 record.
“We should have gone 4-14 … the way everybody was doing,” Ayton said. “That’s what everyone said. I watch everything. I see everything.”
2025-11-28 23:40:00
