Patrick Beverley believes Deandre Ayton changes everything for the Los Angeles Lakers going forward.
The Los Angeles Lakers have finally signed a center. Yesterday evening, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton for $16 million.
It’s a signing that people expected once Ayton agreed to a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. But after months of not having a starting quality center, the Lakers finally have their man.
Paul Pierce believes Ayton could be a huge success for the Lakers. Given how weak they were at the spot before, he is already a considerable upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.
JJ Redick has spoken fondly about Deandre Ayton in the past. So it appears the head coach might have a plan to use him.
And Patrick Beverley’s comments about playing against Ayton will only reinforce how great of a get he is for the Lakers.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesPatrick Beverley claims Deandre Ayton was unstoppable in WCF 2021
Patrick Beverley spoke about the Los Angeles Lakers signing Deandre Ayton. He reminisced about playing against Ayton when he was on the LA Clippers.
During the 2021 Western Conference Finals, Ayton was nearly unstoppable and gave the LA Clippers a very difficult time.
“They get Deandre Ayton, so they’re taking steps in the right direction. A guy that can score, that can command a double team some nights.
“When we played the Phoenix Suns and I was with the Clippers, he killed us. We didn’t have an answer for it at all. We couldn’t do anything about him.
“If he’s even the fourth option on that team, you got Bron, Luka, AR, he’s the inside presence, the fourth option, I think he’d be really good.”
LA Lakers still need more depth at center
The LA Lakers finally addressed their needs at center. But they need to make sure that they add another player at the position.
Jaxson Hayes is just not at the level to even be a backup center. For all of his offensive prowess playing alongside Luka Doncic, Hayes is a defensive liability.
The minutes that Ayton will be off the court could cost the Lakers if they don’t have a decent backup center who can protect the rim.
The Lakers are interested in Al Horford. However, the Golden State Warriors are currently the front-runners to land the former NBA champion.
Perhaps the Lakers could look to the G-League or former NBA players looking for a chance to return to try and find a decent backup center.