Lakers’ New Pick-and-Roll Duo: Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton Show Promise in Preseason
A New Era for the Lakers
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for the upcoming NBA season, the spotlight is on the promising partnership between guard Austin Reaves and newly acquired center Deandre Ayton. This dynamic duo has already begun to showcase their potential in the preseason, particularly in their recent game against the Golden State Warriors, where Reaves delivered an impressive 21-point performance. The Lakers, who have historically relied on star power, are now looking to enhance their offensive strategies, and the pick-and-roll game appears to be a focal point.
Building Chemistry on the Court
Reaves, entering his fifth season, has quickly developed a rapport with Ayton, who signed a two-year contract with the Lakers in July. The addition of Ayton aims to provide the team with more consistent offensive production from the center position, a role that has been a point of concern for the Lakers in recent years.
In discussing their on-court chemistry, Reaves emphasized the importance of practice and repetition. “I think that those things just grow throughout reps,” he stated. “If I go by my guy, I’m gonna go by them. If I need a screen, then I’ll have him come screen. It’s been fun getting to play alongside him in that pick-and-roll.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the NBA, where teamwork and chemistry are increasingly recognized as vital components of success.
Ayton’s Adaptability
Deandre Ayton, known for his size and skill, has expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside Reaves. He described Reaves as “super crafty,” highlighting the guard’s ability to navigate defenses with agility. “I like to get lost in his little freedom ’cause he has a lot of wiggle to his game,” Ayton remarked, indicating his willingness to adapt his playstyle to complement Reaves.
This adaptability is crucial for Ayton, who has spent the majority of his career with the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged 1.9 assists over seven seasons. The Lakers coaching staff, led by JJ Redick, believes that Ayton can unlock more of his playmaking abilities, both on and off the ball. Redick noted, “DA is really good in terms of reading what the ball-handler’s defender is doing,” suggesting that Ayton’s understanding of defensive schemes will be instrumental in creating opportunities for Reaves.
Drawing Comparisons
Reaves’ ability to draw fouls has drawn comparisons to former NBA player Jamal Crawford, a three-time Sixth Man of the Year. Redick pointed out that Reaves is picking up “little tricks” to get to the free-throw line, a skill that could prove invaluable as the season progresses. Reaves himself acknowledged the comparison, stating, “I like that one, too. Jamal Crawford was cold.” This connection to Crawford not only highlights Reaves’ offensive creativity but also underscores the importance of learning from past greats in the league.
The Challenge Ahead
As the Lakers prepare for the regular season, they face the challenge of filling the void left by LeBron James, who is currently sidelined due to sciatica. Reaves, who averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last season, understands the weight of this responsibility. “I can’t go LeBron, I wish I could, but I think you got to do it as a collective group,” he said, emphasizing the need for teamwork in overcoming this setback.
Ayton’s role will be pivotal in this collective effort. His ability to create space for Reaves and other teammates will be crucial, especially in the absence of James. The Lakers are banking on Ayton to step up and take on a more significant role in their offensive schemes.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ first real test of the season will come against the Suns, where Ayton will have the opportunity to showcase his partnership with both Reaves and superstar Luka Doncic. If Ayton can replicate the chemistry he has developed with Reaves, it could bode well for the Lakers’ chances of starting the season strong, even without their star player.
Reaves expressed optimism about Ayton’s potential impact, stating, “He’s going to have a lot of responsibility this year for things that we want to do if we want to be as good as we think we could be.” This statement encapsulates the Lakers’ aspirations for the season, as they aim to blend new talent with existing strengths to create a formidable team.
Conclusion
As the Lakers embark on a new season, the partnership between Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton represents a fresh chapter in the team’s storied history. With a focus on enhancing their pick-and-roll game, the Lakers are not only looking to improve their offensive output but also to foster a sense of teamwork that has been essential to their past successes. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on this new duo to see if they can deliver the results the Lakers desperately need.
