Why Deandre Ayton may be Lakers’ X-factor heading down stretch of NBA’s second half

Source: New York Post

PHOENIX — Despite it only being three games entering Thursday’s road game against the Suns, the LA Lakers’ post-All-Star break play illustrated a sentiment that’s been evident all season: The team’s ceiling is only as high as Deandre Ayton’s buy-in to what the Lakers need from him. And Ayton is the biggest X-factor for whatever success the Lakers will achieve this season — which the last week has illustrated.   Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid blocks a shot by Lakers center Deandre Ayton at LA’s Crypto.