Boom 14+8+5! The Lakers missed the 2.13-meter No. 1 center: Really accurate mid-range shot + plays defensive pillar

Deandre Ayton finally showed his style as the No. 1 center in his third preseason game for the Lakers. On October 13, the Lakers defeated the Warriors 126-116. Ayton started for 16 minutes. He made 6 of 8 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. He made only one turnover.

James is recovering from injury, Doncic and Smart continue to be on a truce. The Lakers lack three masters in organizing offense, but the team still played a beautiful offense. In this battle, 6 Lakers players scored in double figures, including Reaves with 21 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Reeves was benched due to a knock to his knee, which was not serious.

Ayton made consecutive shots near the free throw line in this game. His mid-range shooting ability is indeed very strong. Ayton didn't feel good offensively in the first two preseason games. In the first preseason game, he made 0 of 2 shots and only scored 1 point on free throws. However, he contributed 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks and 1 steal, and his defensive performance was acceptable. In the second preseason game, Ayton made 3 of 8 shots, 1 of 2 free throws, and scored 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

In this battle, Ayton's sweet spot was near the free throw line. He caught the ball and shot in this area with a very high shooting rate. Ayton made all 5 shots in the first half and scored 10 points. In the third quarter, Ayton scored another 4 points. In this battle, he also had a strong presence on the defensive end, scoring blocks and steals.

Ayton said after the game: "The main thing is to change other people's views on my defense, especially the part of protecting the basket. (Redick) has been emphasizing that he hopes the team's big men will protect the basket. So I just want to be an important part of it and let the world and the league know that I am the center of the Lakers and the backbone of the defense." Ayton hopes to serve as the defensive backbone of the Lakers. After Big Eyebrow leaves, the Lakers really need to have a new defensive pillar. Ayton is willing to start defensively in the Lakers, which is a good start.

Ayton also talked about the effect that Doncic will have once he returns: "Believe me, I have been talking about this topic. I have been telling them that I can feel his (Doncic) observation of the game when he is watching the ball on the sidelines. When he comes back, he will definitely make our game easier."

Ayton now lacks a passing master to feed the ball and lob the ball. In the new season, Doncic, James and Smart are all expected to cooperate with Ayton on alley-oops. The Lakers signed Ayton for two years and US$16.6 million during the offseason, which seems to be a great value signing.