The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to maneuver their way into a comfortable playoff seed over the next few months. However, they have struggled lately. Center Deandre Ayton has grown frustrated with not getting the ball.
“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” – JJ Redick on Deandre Ayton’s recent performances. Redick added that it’s “human nature” for Ayton’s rebounding production to dip if he doesn’t feel involved. “Said LAL will work to get Ayton early touches,” Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin wrote.
Despite the frustration, Ayton showed his support for Luka Doncic following a game against the Sacramento Kings. Dennis Schroder met with Doncic in the hallway after a heated game.
“Ayton stepped up in a big moment that wasn't caught on camera at all or reported until weeks later, protecting the franchise's new golden child. That could help establish Ayton as Doncic's enforcer moving forward,” SI’s Andrew Hughes wrote. “Ayton's agent, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, also represents Doncic. It's critical that he was there to protect the Lakers' long-term investment. That could help him earn some long-term security in LA, even if a big contract isn't coming to him this coming offseason because of a lack of Lakers resources to make it happen.”
The heated exchange in the hallway occurred after Doncic reminded Schroder that he should have signed the massive extension the Lakers previously offered him.
“Doncic and Schroder jawed at each other during various points of the Kings' 125-101 loss. During a timeout, Doncic taunted Schroder, telling him he "should've signed that contract" in reference to the four-year, $82 million extension Schroder declined from the Lakers a few years ago,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote.
Ayton’s actions show that he remains a strong team-first player, regardless of the narratives surrounding him. Protecting the franchise star helps build mutual respect throughout the organization.
While Ayton may be dissatisfied with some on-court issues, he has not forgotten how to be a good teammate. This is exactly what the Lakers hoped to get from him when they signed him.