Overview
- Perkins criticized Ayton’s effort and body language on the Road Trippin’ podcast, calling his recent play “disturbing” and suggesting LeBron James may be losing confidence in him.
- Ayton has averaged 4.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in roughly 18 minutes over his last two games, a dip that has intensified questions about his minutes and impact.
- Ayton’s season line stands at 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0 block in 29.8 minutes on 68.1% shooting from the field and 63.6% at the line across 38 appearances.
- Head coach JJ Redick has indicated Ayton is frustrated by his touches and said the Lakers will work to involve him early, according to reporting relayed by Dave McMenamin.
- After Saturday’s game, Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe noted the Lakers rallied once Ayton was removed from the lineup, framing the center as a growing on-court concern.