The Los Angeles Lakers know exactly what they are getting from LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, but when the playoffs arrive, Deandre Ayton is going to be the real X-factor.
Rich Paul highlights Ayton’s high-IQ role
Rich Paul laid it out on the Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul podcast, pointing out that the Lakers will rely on Ayton to make “very high IQ basketball plays” as defenses look to blitz Doncic and take the ball out of LeBron’s hands.
Kellerman added that, assuming everyone stays healthy, Ayton will likely be the Lakers’ fourth-best player. That is a pretty solid number four player to have on your squad.
That matters because in the playoffs, those smart, reliable contributions can be the difference between an early exit and a deep run. Ayton does not need to carry the load, but he does need to stay active, make the right decisions, and impact the game when it matters most.
He has shown flashes this season. In a recent back-to-back against the Memphis Grizzlies, Ayton bounced back from a quiet first game to post 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
JJ Redick has been vocal about this pattern, and his theory seems to be correct. Whenever Ayton gets touches, he plays with purpose. Feeling involved translates directly into better rebounding, smarter reads, and a stronger overall presence on the floor.
Playoff pressure is not new for Ayton. In 45 career postseason games, he has averaged 15.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He played a key role in the Phoenix Suns’ 2020–21 Finals run, proving he can perform in high-stakes moments.
That experience is crucial for a Lakers team aiming to go deep in the playoffs. This season, across 29 games, Ayton is averaging 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting a career-high 70.4 percent from the floor.
He has had some real highs and some frustrating lows, but the key is to stay involved, make smart decisions, and keep the offense flowing around the stars. If he does that, the Lakers instantly become a much tougher team to beat.
The talent is there, the system is set, and now it is on Ayton to step up and prove he is more than just a supporting piece; he could be the one who turns a good playoff run into a championship contender.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic need to make sure they use their strong passing abilities to keep their big man happy and involved. If they do that, the results should appear.