Deandre Ayton strolled across the court after practice Monday, all business in black, his chains swaying and his mood light. As he approached the media, it was clear: the Lakers' center is ready for the biggest challenge yet.

The Western Conference semifinals are here, and the Lakers are facing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder—the best team in the NBA. But head coach JJ Redick isn't worried. In fact, he's confident, and he knows exactly who will make the difference.

"He changes our ceiling the most," Redick said of Ayton. And he's not wrong.

Ayton's performance in the first round against the Houston Rockets was nothing short of dominant. He grabbed double-digit rebounds in four of six games, recorded three double-doubles, and averaged 11.8 points with 10.8 rebounds per game—third-best in the entire postseason. That kind of consistency is exactly what the Lakers need to upset the Thunder.

"Everything has been pretty solid," Ayton said. "Just staying in my role and doing more in my role. This is the playoffs, so everybody can do more. Everybody has another level. This is the second round, so I think we all deserve that little bit of increased confidence from what we've done so far."

Ayton's impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He and Marcus Smart joined the Lakers last summer, giving the team a much-needed center and a defensive-minded guard. The two have bonded quickly, sitting next to each other in the locker room and building chemistry that shows on the court.

"DA's had a great season," Redick added. "He was instrumental in getting us past Houston. His baseline of who he is every day for the last two, two-and-a-half months has been awesome. His teammates and the staff have embraced him all season long. Again, he's the person that changes our ceiling the most."

As the Lakers prepare for Game 1 on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, all eyes are on Ayton. If he can replicate his first-round dominance, this series could be one for the ages.