Deandre Ayton is in awe of one of his Los Angeles Lakers teammates.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason signing of Deandre Ayton was one of the most talked about deals of the summer.
After all, it quickly made the Lakers the favorites to win the Western Conference. Ayton’s role for the Lakers is clear. It’s about solid defense.
He did just that in the Lakers’ 126-116 preseason win over the Golden State Warriors. But after the game, Ayton was more focused on his teammates’ performance.
Austin Reeves was the star of the Lakers’ 10-point victory, finishing the night with 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
After the game, Ayton revealed his message to Reeves in a postgame interview with the media.
“I told him he’s phenomenal, especially his clever shot creation. I used to be on the other end of that,” Ayton said.
The Lakers big man added, “If it was me, I would have wondered and scratched my head. But now I know how to get him open, how he works and how he works. He’s great.”
Despite being an undrafted player, Reeves has earned the respect of his peers after just four seasons in the NBA.
In fact, Reaves will have to be kept in check by his teammates to avoid overworking himself before the regular season begins.
Lakers Nation has already witnessed the connection between Reeves and Ayton on the court. But what they haven’t seen yet is how well the former No. 1 overall pick will fit in with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Ayton and Doncic have worked out together in the past, but Ayton, 40, has yet to train with LBJ due to injury issues.
“We’re just waiting for the rest of the superstars to join us,” Ayton said.
Not just Ayton, but most Lakers fans are waiting for a fully healthy new roster to hit the hardwood.