NBA Notes: Lakers, Deandre Ayton, Spurs, Keldon Johnson, Rockets

Deandre Ayton’s ‘thankless Work’ Has Lakers In Control Heading To Houston

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Deandre Ayton quickly made his way in front of the banner, behind the microphones, and enthusiastically wished the media, “Good morning.” Ayton seemed like he was in a great mood Thursday, and why wouldn’t he be? The Los Angeles Lakers had just finished practice before hopping onto a plane to Houston with a 2-0 first-round series lead over the Rockets. And Ayton knows he’s had a major hand in his team winning its first two p…

Deandre Ayton reveals important role JJ Redick and LeBron James are filling

The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Houston Rockets 2-0 in their first round playoff series, a moderate surprise given how shorthanded they are. The Lakers have been without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but still managed to defend their home court thanks to contributions from everyone on the roster. From LeBron James on down, every player who’s seen the floor in Los Angeles’ locker room has helped the team win games but the challenge isn’t over as…

NBA Notes: Lakers, Deandre Ayton, Spurs, Keldon Johnson, Rockets

Lakers The Lakers continue to win. How they’re doing it is drawing some attention. Deandre Ayton finished with just six points in Tuesday’s Game 2 victory over the Rockets and wasn’t part of the closing group. Still, neither Ayton nor coach JJ Redick sounded concerned afterward. As Dan Woike of The Athletic detailed, the Lakers have been pleased with the work Ayton is doing away from the box score. Screening. Switching. Holding up defensively. “…

Lakers Notes: Ayton, Doncic, Smart, Redick, Reaves

Lakers center Deandre Ayton scored just six points in Tuesday’s win over Houston and wasn’t part of the team’s closing lineup in the fourth quarter. However, Ayton was upbeat when he spoke to the media on Thursday and head coach JJ Redick has raved about the work the big man is doing that doesn’t necessarily show up on the stat sheets, writes Dan Woike of The Athletic. That includes setting screens, switching on defense, and boxing out on reboun…