Reeves: People seem to have forgotten Ayton’s dominance when he was in the Suns. He was the hero of reaching the Finals that year.

In the NBA preseason, the Lakers defeated the Warriors 126-116.

In the post-game interview, Reeves said when asked about Ayton's performance: "He is really talented. Everyone seems to have forgotten how dominant he was during the Suns. That year the team was able to reach the Finals. He is one of the biggest contributors to the game. He is very talented, can play pick-and-rolls, and can protect the basket, so we need him to perform well in his role."

When talking about how to establish a tacit understanding with Ayton, Reeves said: "I think this tacit understanding is through constant practice. It comes out of fatigue, which is what we have to practice in the preseason. I don't think too much when I play. If I can get past the defender, I'll play it myself. If not, I'll ask him to pick and roll. So it's fun to play with him and have him play a bigger role. "

In this game, Lakers new aid Ayton played 26 minutes, making 6 of 8 shots, 2 of 2 free throws, 14 points, 8 rebounds (3 offensive rebounds), 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, with a plus-minus value of +3; Reeves played 23 minutes and scored 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.