LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers come into their NBA Cup matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday as the No. 2 team in the Western Conference at 13-4. While the Lakers have gotten off to a good start, their defense can still be improved. One player, however, who has been making an impact defensively for the Lakers this season is Deandre Ayton .

Deandre Ayton has been the Lakers’ rim protector and interior presence on the defensive end, and he has a big assignment against the Mavericks with Anthony Davis set to make his return to the Dallas lineup from injury. During a media availability session following Lakers’ shootaround Friday morning, Ayton took a shot at his critics who have suggested that he doesn’t play defense.

“This question for me, Deandre Ayton, evaluating his

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