Deandre Ayton reveals the strength of LA’s 11-4 start to the season

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong start to the season, improving to 11-4 after a 140-126 win against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, a game in which LeBron James made his season debut after returning from a nerve injury. While a high-scoring game might not fully indicate it, the Lakers’ defense was a big part of the win, and that’s something that Deandre Ayton realized that this is one of the strengths of the team.

“I’m starting to understand this team, what drives us is defensive stops. That’s what keeps our momentum going,” Ayton said after the win. “You’ve got guys like Marcus (Smart), Bron (LeBron) when he gets out there, trying to protect the rim, and Jak (Jaxon Hayes) bringing that energy … closing possessions, that’s what gets everybody fired up and going.”

For his part, Deandre Ayton has added to the Lakers’ defense as a solid rebounder early this season. Through the team’s first 15 games, Ayton ranks in the top five on the roster in terms of defensive rating at 114.4, according to StatMuse. That actually ties him with Marcus Smart who is one of the Lakers’ defensive leaders.

All in all, Ayton was a big plus for the Lakersthriving in his role as the team’s starting center. He appeared in 14 games for slightly more than 30 minutes per game. He is averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds on 69.9 percent shooting from the field and 56.5 percent from the free throw line.

LeBron James’ impact on the Lakers’ defense

As Ayton mentioned, LeBron James is one of the players on the roster that helps set the tone for the team’s defense. Last season, Lakers head coach JJ Redick often referred to James as the team’s defensive quarterback. With James back from injury and the added wear and tear of playing an unprecedented 23rd season in the league, Redick discussed what his role on the defensive end might look like this year.

“I think it’s going to be similar to last year. We’re not going to ask him to chase around primary scorers for 40 minutes a game, it’s just not what he can do. … He’s just a voice, a communicator for our defense, providing the necessary physicality in terms of his shifts and closing,” Redick said before the U’s game. “He was the best we had on our team last year, so he’s capable of doing all those things. His ability to execute what we’re trying to do is at a very high level. And I’m sure every coach that’s had him, he’s been able to do that defensively.”