NBA Notes: Lakers, Deandre Ayton, Suns, Mark Williams, Heat

Lakers

Deandre Ayton didn’t light up the scoreboard in his Lakers debut — scoring just one point in 18 minutes — but he preferred to highlight another part of his game.

Ayton blocked two shots on Friday, which he said reflected his focus on defense after signing with L.A. this summer.

“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end more than the offense in a way,” Ayton told reporters, via Khobi Price of The Orange County Register. “I’m not really here for numbers. I’m here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do.

“The main objective is really protecting that rim and closing out our possessions.”

The veteran big man added that he’s willing to let Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves dictate his offensive role.

Meanwhile, James sat out Friday’s game as he continues a gradual ramp-up from a glute issue.

Coach JJ Redick said the team is taking a cautious approach with the 40-year-old star to get him fully ready for opening night.

Suns

The Suns are being careful with new center Mark Williams, who was acquired this summer after a series of injuries slowed the early years of his career.

Williams, traded from Charlotte for two first-round picks, has participated in most of training camp except live 5-on-5 work.

Still, he said he expects to be ready for the regular season opener, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

“They traded two first-round picks for me,” Williams said. “I’ve talked to everyone from the top down. I’m in a good place. They have a plan in place for me to be ready for opening night.”

Williams averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds last season in 44 games. He’ll be a restricted free agent next summer.

Heat

Nikola Jovic has played in exactly 46 games in each of his first two seasons, leading some to question his durability.

The Heat forward, who just signed a four-year extension, pushed back on that narrative.

“I broke my foot [when I] stepped on someone. I broke my nose [when] someone elbowed me. I broke my hand because someone hit my hand,” Jovic said, via Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. “What was I supposed to do? If someone hits you, I can’t talk to my bone and tell it to not break.”

Jovic, 22, says he’s focused on staying healthy and playing as many games as possible this season.