Why Centers Could Be Key for the Lakers in the Stretch Run and Playoffs

The Lakers have received a lift in the last couple of games through the activity and production of Deandre Ayton. The mercurial center has come out with significantly more energy, and has generally played better since namedropping Clint Capela in a fairly disparaging way. 

But the Lakers need him to keep it up, no question. They're a different team when Ayton produces (noted by the record when he logs 15/10 on any given night). But with a fully healthy team, the lakers aren't likely to be able to find Ayton enough shots to put up 15-20 every night, and meanwhile his minutes likely settle between 20-25 minutes rather than 25-30. 

But the motor? That can run all the time. 

And for the Lakers, the possibility of having a higher caliber starting center than last season (Ayton vs. Jaxson Hayes) combined with a better backup center (Today Hayes vs. Last Year Hayes) and a healthy Maxi Kleber (who has been deployed effectively at different times this year) means the center position is in line for a significant upgrade compared to last year. 

That gives JJ Redick far more options, allows the Lakers to match up better, and then do things like go small -- still a very effective lineup -- when they want to, rather than because they have to.

That's a big deal, potentially. So keep an eye on the bigs!

Meanwhile, Austin Reaves had some very revealing, and potentially encouraging, comments about accountability following Tuesday's win. 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

 

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