Deandre Ayton problem gets worse for Lakers during monster night

The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Orlando Magic 110-109 on Tuesday night in a seemingly massive night from Deandre Ayton. The big man finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds, but he was hunted down the stretch by the Magic. Head coach JJ Redick finally trusted Ayton to close the game, but it gave Paolo Bachero someone to feast on. The Magic scored 31 in the fourth and stole this one in the clutch.

It was the first time all season the Lakers lost when Ayton went for at least 15 points and ten rebounds in a game. Fans wanting more of the big man found out why Redick often goes away from Ayton down the stretch. He was a target on defense and didn’t space the floor on the final play.

The Lakers made an effort to get him going against the Magic. Wendell Carter Jr. is not known for his defense, but he had 20 points and 12 boards in part because Ayton got 32 minutes. The Magic were forcing switches and putting LA in difficult spots. The Lakers lost to a team without multiple starters in an overall disastrous night.

Deandre Ayton was a target on defense during monster night

Fans know Ayton has been a problem for weeks. He struggles to protect the rim and doesn’t always bring the required energy. Even on a night where the big man was locked in, things turned disastrous.

The Magic’s game-winner was a Carter Jr. putback in the final seconds with Ayton switched onto the perimeter. Orlando hunted the big man, and it opened things up for an easy bucket.

The Lakers had a chance to win in the final seconds, but the play turned disastrous after Luka Doncic came off an Ayton screen. Number 77 appeared to have an open look, but Ayton was supposed to dive to the rim for an easy bucket. Fans can see the play below.

It was a disastrous night for Doncic. He had 22 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, but made just eight of his 24 field goals. Doncic missed eight 3-point attempts and five free throws in a forgettable night. The Lakers won his 38 minutes by one point, but Luka certainly left plenty to be desired.

The Lakers need their big man to be better on the defensive end of the floor. Ayton can’t be expected to grab the rebound that cost LA the game, but he has to protect the rim and hold up when the opposing star hunts him. The Lakers lost Ayton’s minutes by two in a one-point defeat.

Fans were not happy with Ayton as Los Angeles gave the game away on Tuesday night.

The Lakers finished their eight-game homestand at 4-4. It wasn’t a complete disaster, but every game matters as they chase a guaranteed playoff berth. Giving away a contest where they led most of the night was gut-wrenching. Luka deserves plenty of blame for this one, but Ayton's struggles on defense down the stretch were a problem.

Defense is the team’s biggest issue. The Lakers failed to get a rim protector at the deadline and were forced to play small whenever Ayton went to the bench against the Magic. Luka was onboard with the plan, but the issues remain. Jaxson Hayes was out with an injury, which created even more matchup problems for LA.

Ayton also disappeared offensively in the second half. Much of that is on the Lakers' creators for not feeding him the ball, but Ayton only got three shots in the second half. The big man struggled when the game mattered most, which makes the headache even worse.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a Deandre Ayton problem with no solution. Even on a night where he put up monster numbers, the big man was one of the reasons they lost. Head coach JJ Redick will continue making difficult decisions with Ayton, but the best bet is keeping him on the bench down the stretch. The Lakers need every win. It seems like closing smaller gives LA their best chance, even when Ayton is rolling.