Deandre Ayton has built his reputation on that feathery soft touch around the rim, but lately, it's gone missing. After shooting an impressive 60.4% from the field in the first round and a career-best 67.1% during the regular season, the big man has plummeted to just 39.3% (11-for-28) against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In the first two games of the series, Ayton managed only three made shots out of 11 attempts in the restricted area—a shocking drop-off for a player known for finishing with finesse. The Lakers were counting on Ayton to step up against the Thunder's towering twin-tower lineup of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. But Holmgren's 7-foot-1 wingspan has been a game-changer, altering shots and clogging the paint.

Lakers coach JJ Redick noted that much of Ayton's struggles depend on where Holmgren positions himself on defense. To counter this, the Lakers have been trying to pull Holmgren away from the basket, creating more space for Ayton to operate. It's a chess match in the paint, and right now, Ayton is searching for his rhythm. If he can rediscover that soft touch, it could swing the series.