'Get the big fella involved': Lakers' Deandre Ayton disappearing against Thunder

Lakers' Deandre Ayton, center, struggles to shoot a layup between Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren, right, and Lugentz Dort during the second half of the Lakers' 131-108 loss in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto. com Arena. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) One rebound got away.

Another went to the Oklahoma City Thunder on a foul by Deandre Ayton . When a third opportunity glanced past Ayton’s nonchalantly extended arm, JJ Redick had seen enough. The Lakers coach couldn’t even sub fast enough before Ayton’s two-handed frustration shove of Oklahoma City guard Ajay Mitchell put a disappointing punctuation mark on a disastrous 19-second stretch for the Lakers starting center.

Ayton, a key part of the Lakers’ first-round series win, has been largely absent in the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Lakers behind 3-0 in the best-of-seven series after Saturday’s 131-108 loss at Crypto. com Arena, Ayton has averaged 7.

7 points per game and 9. 3 rebounds against the Thunder. Read more: Lakers drop Game 3 to Thunder; now one loss from elimination Desperate to avoid the dreaded 3-0 hole, Ayton was limited to 10 points and six rebounds and just one defensive board.