In one embodiment, a method comprises: classifying, by a controller device, a first access point device in a WLAN as a leader access point for a wireless client device, and at least a second access point device as a follower access point; and allocating, to the leader access point, a shortened medium access control layer timer (“timer”) that is shorter than a prescribed timer used by the follower access point, the shortened timer causing the leader access point to respond to reception of a wireless data packet from the wireless client device by transmitting an acknowledgment to the wireless client device upon expiration of the shortened timer; the prescribed timer causing the follower access point to defer to the leader access point based on the follower access point waiting for at least expiration of the prescribed timer before selectively transmitting a corresponding acknowledgment in response to receiving the wireless data packet.