The Boston Celtics quietly managed to find the perfect Luka Doncic partner who the Los Angeles Lakers wish they could have. Neemias Queta has blossomed into one of the best big men in the league, and though Deandre Ayton has been okay, the Lakers definitely wish he would have been closer to Queta than the role player he has become.
In an ideal world, Doncic gets to play next to a massive, rim-rolling behemoth who can crash the class, finish lobs, and catch every pass that gets thrown his way. That’s exactly the type of player Queta has blossomed into this season in Boston.
And Ayton just hasn’t been what the Lakers likely wanted from him.
The Lakers probably wish Deandre Ayton was more like Neemias Queta
When the Lakers signed Ayton this summer, they were hoping to get a career revival out of him. They wanted the version of Ayton who helped the Phoenix Suns make the NBA Finals in 2021.
And while Ayton’s put together some decent games for the Lakers, it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing for him in LA all year. There have been some bumps in the road.
Obviously, there have been quotes that have surfaced regarding Ayton’s displeasure surrounding his role, though that storyline has largely dissipated. Plus, his on-court play has wavered at times, too.
As for Queta, he’s been everything the Celtics could have ever hoped for, and then some. They are a top contender to make it out of the East, and Queta is a big reason why.
Not only is he one of the potential candidates for the Most Improved Player award, but he’s transformed himself into one of the best rim protectors in the NBA.
He rebounds at an elite level, he protects the rim extremely well, and his finishing around the rim has gotten much, much better.
Boston signed him off the scrap heap a few years ago. The Sacramento Kings let him walk in free agency, and Boston brought him in on a one-year contract before extending him the following summer.
Now, after the Celtics had to trade a bunch of their big-man depth, Queta has taken the starting center role and run with it. He is the exact type of player the Lakers would love to pair alongside Doncic.
Instead, they have Ayton. And while Jaxson Hayes has played well lately for the Lakers, looking like a decent potential future piece, Ayton may not last long in LA.
If only he turned into the type of guy Boston found in Queta.