Deandre Ayton makes worrying comments ahead of Lakers' season

The importance of chemistry can't be overstated in basketball. Look no further than the Oklahoma City Thunder, who for years developed a young core of players that led them to a championship last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to develop a similar chemistry after adding Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia this offseason. However, with the season less than two weeks away, they may already be behind the eight ball when it comes to developing cohesion.

Deandre Ayton, the new Los Angeles Lakers center

Earlier this week, Ayton revealed that he has yet to participate in a 5-on-5 scrimmage with either Luka Doncic or LeBron James, the Lakers' two primary ball-handlers and playmakers.

"I haven't," Ayton said of scrimmaging with Doncic or James, via LakersNation. "It's something I've just been waiting on and just got to prepare. JJ [Redick] and the coaching staff probably have something where, they can put stuff together for all of us to really grow chemistry."

It appears that Ayton will have to continue waiting. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James is set to miss at least three more weeks of action, including the season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21, due to sciatica in his right side.

Los Angeles Lakers' chemistry a huge concern?

Ayton, who has a limited offensive repertoire, needs a dribble-penetrator to set him up for efficient looks. That's why he had his best years playing alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns and struggled mightily on a young Portland Trail Blazers team lacking a quality point guard.

The Lakers should consider playing Doncic in at least three of the final four preseason games against the Warriors (Oct. 12), Suns (Oct. 14), Mavericks (Oct. 15) and Kings (Oct. 17) — if only to help Doncic and Ayton develop some chemistry. 

It's no secret that Doncic thrives playing next to athletic bigs, a profile Ayton matches. The Lakers reportedly signed Ayton so he can catch lobs from Doncic and be his pick-and-roll partner. Considering how strong the Western Conference is, the Lakers can't afford to waste precious preseason reps — they've got to get Ayton and Doncic in the lab.