Preseason performance: Ayton has perfect scores, Laravia is qualified, and Smart is hard to describe!

On October 16, the NBA preseason is coming to an end. The effect of each team's signings during the offseason has been verified to a certain extent. It is clear at a glance which players are suitable for the new lineup system. This summer, DFS, the Lakers' top forward defender, declined the player option to leave the team. Rivers also rejected the Lakers' four-year, $89 million early contract extension offer, and James was forced to exercise the player option. Due to various factors, the Lakers management signed Ayton with limited salary space for a cost-effective price of US$16.6 million in two years. The potential 3D Laravia joined for US$12 million in two years and became the successor of DFS. Immediately afterwards, the Lakers added Smart, the former DPOY and perimeter defender, to the team with a two-year, $11 million contract. After three operations, the Lakers now have a qualified starting center and perimeter defender. At the same time, the forward 3D has also found a replacement for DFS. For a while, many people praised the Lakers management's operation. However, if a player is suitable for the team, he needs to be dragged on the court to show off!

Next, let’s discuss the performance of the three major players (Ayton, Laravia, Smart) from the data level. Have the Lakers really become stronger compared to last season?

Ayton - Averaged 8 points and 9 rebounds per game in the preseason, perfect performance!

During the preseason, Ayton played in all 4 games of the Lakers, averaging 8 points, 9 rebounds (third in the league), 1.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2 blocks (third in the league) in 22.7 minutes per game. He shot 48.1% from the field and 75% from the free throw line. You must know that this data was obtained under the premise that James did not play and Doncic only played one game. Ayton performed very poorly in his first preseason show. He only scored 1 point, 8 rebounds and 1 assist in 17 minutes and 50 seconds of playing time, and made 0 of 2 shots. With continuous upgrading, Ayton's performance is getting better and better. In the following three games, he handed over full score data of 7 points and 7 rebounds, 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and 10 points, 13 rebounds and 1 assist respectively. Ayton's arrival gives the Lakers a qualified inside terminator and frame protector. The Lakers' inside line in the new season is no longer a weak link that everyone can bully. Ayton has been labeled a softie for so many years, but the data reveals another side. Last season, his defensive real plus-minus ranked sixth among centers, limiting his opponents' basket shooting percentage to as low as 53.7%, which was better than Gobert. As long as he can maintain his performance in the last two preseason games, the Lakers will make a lot of money!

Laravia—Averaging 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists per game in the preseason, his performance is up to standard!

Like Ayton, the young Laravia appeared in all 4 preseason games. In an average of 25.2 minutes per game, he contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.3 blocks. He shot 38.9% from the field, 25% from the three-point range, and 83.3% from the free throw line. His overall performance was qualified! After four games, Laravia is the "connector" on the offensive end of the Lakers and the "sharp weapon" on the defensive end. He is a "glue" type player. Coming to this Lakers team, the team hopes that he can take over DFS's court duties and play a good role as a 3D forward. Excellent defensive movement and defensive IQ, whether he is running after a screen, throwing out to defend the perimeter, or switching to defend other players, he can hold on. He is particularly solid in defense and feels very stable. Of course, the field goal percentage of 38.9 and the three-point shooting percentage of 25% are not outstanding. If you want to have a bright future with this team, you must quickly find the feeling of shooting!

Smart——Averaging 0 points, 0 rebounds and 1 assist per game in the preseason, his performance is hard to describe!

It wasn't until the second battle with the Suns that Smart made his Lakers debut under the spotlight, but he completely messed up! In 20.1 minutes of playing time in the game, he took 0 shots, surrendered 0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks and 2 fouls, an embarrassing plus-minus of -2! After the game against the Suns, Redick criticized the former dpoy player mercilessly: "Mart played 20 minutes. He should have had at least one shooting opportunity, but some rounds were not ideal, including several passes he shouldn't have made." Due to injuries, in the past, Smart only played a total of 54 games in the two seasons, including only 20 games in the 2023-24 season, averaging 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals and 3.1 turnovers per game, with three shooting percentages: 43%, 31.3%, 76.8%. Played 34 games last season, averaging 9 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 turnovers per game. Three shooting percentages: 39.3%, 34.8%, 76.1%. Coming to the Lakers does not require him to score too many points. He only needs to ensure attendance and contribute on the defensive end.

However, in the first preseason game against the Suns, except for an iconic offensive foul in the first half, which gave people a vague glimpse of the previous DPOY style, there were almost no highlights in the rest of the time, and the performance was hard to describe. Fortunately, there is still time for him to adjust. So far in the preseason, the Lakers have only achieved 1 win and 3 losses. What do you think of the performance of Ayton, Laravia, and Smart? Are the Lakers really stronger than last season? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area for discussion!