This isDeandre Ayton’s chance to reinvent himself.
He can rewrite the script. Change his narrative.Rehabilitate his name.
His issues around professionalism? Total focus on the court can quiet them.
His lack of consistency? Dominance down low can smooth over that storyline.
Ayton has gone from being a wildcard to being of pivotal importance to the Lakers in their second-round playoff series against the Thunder.
“He’s the person that changes our ceiling the most,”Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
Ayton is facing a frontcourt of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, two guys who are known for their elite rim protection.
In Game 1, Ayton had a good performance, finishing with a game-high-tying 12 rebounds along with 10 points.
The Lakers need Ayton to play like a No. 1 overall pick.
They need him to take on the challenge of stopping Holmgren, who finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. They need him to pour himself into both sides of the court, owning the paint.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
