"Deandre Ayton has struggled to be difference-maker the Lakers need at center in their Western Conference semifinal series against Oklahoma City. His shooting touch has vanished, dropping to 39% against the Thunder compared to a career-best 67% during the regular season. Oklahoma City's intimidating double-big lineup of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have neutralized the former No. 1 overall pick."
"One rebound got away. Another went to the Oklahoma City Thunder on a foul by Deandre Ayton. When a third opportunity glanced past Ayton's nonchalantly extended arm, JJ Redick had seen enough. The Lakers coach couldn't even sub fast enough before Ayton's two-handed frustration shove of Oklahoma City guard Ajay Mitchell put a disappointing punctuation mark on a disastrous 19-second stretch for the Lakers starting center."
"Ayton, a key part of the Lakers' first-round series win, has been largely absent in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Lakers behind 3-0 in the best-of-seven series after Saturday's 131-108 loss at Crypto.com Arena, Ayton has averaged 7.7 points per game and 9.3 rebounds against the Thunder. Desperate to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole, Ayton was limited to 10 points and six rebounds and just one defensive board."
"After an up-and-down regular season, it appeared that the former No. 1 overall pick was ready to live up to the hype. He was a quiet star in the Lakers' first-round series win against the Houston Rockets, often guarding All-Star Alperen Sengun one-on-one and dominating the paint. He averaged 11 points and 10.8 rebounds against the Rockets. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault took note. He called Ayton a "priority" for the Thunder defense in this series."
Deandre Ayton has not provided the difference-making center play the Lakers need in their Western Conference semifinal series against Oklahoma City. His shooting has fallen to 39% against the Thunder after a 67% career-best during the regular season. Oklahoma City’s double-big look with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein has neutralized Ayton’s effectiveness. Ayton has averaged 7.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in the series, while the Lakers have fallen behind 3-0 after a 131-108 loss. In Game 2, he scored three points on one-of-seven shooting despite 22 rebounds over the first two games. His limited defensive impact and late-game frustration have further hurt the Lakers’ chances.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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