The Lakers will be without starting center Deandre Ayton for Tuesday's game against the Clippers. And while that will certainly impact them on the defensive end, it's likely to have even more effect on how the Lakers try to score. 

Ayton has been a key cog in the team's attack, providing high percentage shots near the bucket, along with a key for unlocking the mid-range spaces with his pick and pop ability. Without Ayton, the Lakers have Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes available, plus (maybe) new two-way signing Drew Timme (fare ye well, Christian Koloko). Each has his strengths, but broadly speaking none can provide anything close to what Ayton has delivered. Not individually at least. 

No word yet on how long Ayton might have to sit out, but hopefully the injury doesn't extend into Friday against Dallas, with Anthony Davis getting closer to game action. 

Finding ways into the paint will be a little trickier, but what the Lakers don't want to do is rely solely on jump shooting, because those results haven't been good. One thing they might try to do more of without Ayton? Run. Get going faster in everything they do. 

Finally, how might Ayton's absence impact the starting lineup? Is it as simple as "plug in Jaxson Hayes" and go from there? 

 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers lose Ayton for at least a game. 
SEGMENT 2: What changes with Ayton out. 
SEGMENT 3: Can the shooting woes get fixed? 

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