Luka Doncic 'Trying to Get Used to' Deandre Ayton Connection Ahead of Lakers Season
Luka Dončić's preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday also marked his first time playing with new center Deandre Ayton.
Following the Lakers' 113-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Dončić admitted he is still "trying to get used to" building up his timing and rhythm with Ayton since they haven't done a lot of work together so far.
"I mean, it's probably just more (on) me," Dončić told The Athletic's Dan Woike. "Obviously, (I'm) the guard with the ball. But like I said, it's more talking about it and what he likes. I know he likes the pocket, too. So I'm trying to get used to that too. But it's just mostly talking about it and playing games."
The one big curiosity on Tuesday for the Lakers was to see the lob game between Dončić and Ayton. It showed up once late in the first quarter when the Suns doubled Dončić, allowing Ayton to sneak behind to the rim for the easy bucket.
Dončić, while he did finish with a team-high 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists, he also looked rusty with five turnovers in 22 minutes. Woike noted the five-time All-Star had "multiple missed connections" with Ayton throughout the game.
It's understandable that Dončić would look sloppy in some areas and that his connection with Ayton wouldn't be in peak form yet. Ayton acknowledged last week that he hasn't really had any time on the court with the Lakers superstar point guard.
Head coach JJ Redick has been cautious with Dončić throughout training camp and preseason after he spent two weeks at the end of August and early September playing with Slovenia in EuroBasket.
When the chemistry eventually develops, it should lead to a lot of easy buckets for Ayton. Jaxson Hayes had the best scoring stretch of his NBA career late last season after Dončić arrived.
Dončić sat out the Lakers' first three preseason games, meaning Tuesday was his first live game action since Slovenia's loss to Germany in the EuroBasket quarterfinals on Sept. 10.
The Lakers have two preseason games remaining on Oct. 15 against the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas and Oct. 17 against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles will begin the regular season against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.
