Patrick Beverly believes DeAndre Ayton will change everything for the Los Angeles Lakers in the future.
The Los Angeles Lakers finally signed the center. Yesterday evening, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton for $16 million.
I hope people have hoped after Ayton agreed to acquiring Portland Trail Blazers. But a few months after the quality center hasn’t started, the Lakers finally have their man.
Paul Pierce believes Ayton could be a huge success for the Lakers. Given how weak they were before, he’s already a considerable upgrade on Jaxson Hayes.
JJ Redick has spoken with affection about Deandre Ayton in the past. So the head coach may have plans to use him.
And the comments about Patrick Beverly’s matchup against Ayton only strengthen how great he is for the Lakers.
Patrick Beverly spoke about the Los Angeles Lakers signing DeAndre Ayton. He remembered playing against Ayton when he was with the LA Clippers.
During the 2021 Western Conference Finals, Ayton barely stopped, giving the LA Clippers a very difficult time.
“They’re getting DeAndre Ayton, so they’re taking a step in the right direction. The guy who can score, that can order a double team on some nights.
“When I played the Phoenix Suns and I was with the Clippers, he killed us. We had no answers to that. We couldn’t do anything about him.
“If he even has that team’s fourth option, you get Bron, Luca and Arkansas, then I think he’s an inner presence and a fourth option. I think he’s really good.”
La Lakers ultimately addressed their needs at the center. However, they need to make sure they add another player to that position.
Jaxson Hayes is not at the level of becoming a backup center. For all his offensive skills playing with Luka Donsic, Hayes is a defensive responsibility.
Minutes where Ayton is off the court could cost the Lakers if they don’t have a decent backup center that can protect the rims.
The Lakers are interested in Al Horford. However, the Golden State Warriors are currently on the forefront of landing the former NBA champion.
Perhaps the Lakers are looking for a G-League or former NBA player to go back to find a decent backup center.