Deandre Ayton: “I’m not here for numbers”

Photo: Los Angeles Lakers/YouTube

Deandre Ayton made his Lakers preseason debut Friday, recording one point, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes. He took only two shots, stressing his focus on defense over scoring.

“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end, more than the offense,” Ayton said. “I’m not here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do,” he added, according to Dave McMenamin.

Los Angeles fell 103-81 to the Phoenix Suns in the preseason opener. Austin Reaves led the team with 20 points, while Bronny James added eight in nearly 24 minutes. LeBron James and Luka Doncic sat out as both ramp up carefully ahead of the regular season.

The Suns jumped to a 27-point lead in the third quarter, with Devin Booker scoring 24 points and Dillon Brooks adding 10 in his first game since joining Phoenix. Grayson Allen also contributed 13 points for the new-look Suns.

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Ayton’s limited offensive role in the debut showed his commitment to executing the Lakers’ system. He focused on rebounding, shot-blocking, and defensive rotations, signaling his readiness to adapt to various responsibilities.

Bronny James, who turns 21 on Monday, played nearly 23 minutes in the first substitution group. He struggled offensively, hitting just one 3-pointer in seven attempts, but contributed with free throws and running the offense.

Other Lakers starters included Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

The Lakers will face the Golden State Warriors Sunday in San Francisco for their second preseason game.

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