Deandre Ayton seems to be the player on the Los Angeles Lakers‘ roster who has the greatest upward potential this season. He has averaged 16.4 points on 59% field-goal shooting and 10.5 rebounds a game in seven previous NBA seasons, but there is a widespread perception that he hasn’t come close to being the best player he can be, especially on the defensive end.

In two preseason games with Los Angeles thus far, he has looked strong and active defensively and on the boards. He said after Friday’s contest against the Phoenix Suns that he wanted to prove he’s committed to the defensive end, even more than he’s committed to helping on offense.

Guard Marcus Smart, who, like Ayton, is new to the Lakers this season, said on Thursday that Ayton has stood out to him more than anyone else so far in training camp.

Via Lakers Nation:

“I don’t wanna just pick out one because it’s been a lot. But one has been DA,” Smart said after Lakers practice on Thursday. “Deandre he’s been really good, talking to me. Get frustrated or he doesn’t understand some things or understand why things are done this way and just coming to talk to me like ‘Hey, what do I need to do? What do you see?’ And that’s big.

“I know he has had this precursor over his name, but he understands it and he’s ready to put the work in. I’m proud of him and he has stood out in that aspect.”

If Ayton turns into a consistent plus defender, he can dramatically change the complexion of this Lakers team. Few consider L.A. a true championship contender this season, and the biggest reason given is its lack of defense, both near the rim and on the perimeter.

Smart, of course, also has the ability to transform the squad defensively. He is just three calendar years removed from winning the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award, and he’s also an adept secondary facilitator and, in general, a resourceful and gritty player.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Marcus Smart has been impressed by Deandre Ayton during training camp