The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking to secure their place in the first round of the playoffs after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are injured. Former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who finished with 13 points and four rebounds in the Lakers' 134-128 loss to the Mavericks, has become a central figure in the team's hopes. His performance was outplayed by five of his teammates, including Luke Kennard, who had a team-high 16 rebounds. Ayton's performance has been inconsistent, but the Lakers need him to consistently perform well. The team needs to make another transition to the minimum of 20-and-10 performances.