Deandre Ayton has experienced quite a journey in his NBA career, and fan sentiment has varied significantly at each stop. Once a fan favorite, Ayton was traded by the Phoenix Suns in exchange for depth pieces. Later, the Portland Trail Blazers chose to buy out his contract. Now, as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, early on, some fans were quick to criticize him, pointing to effort issues and a perceived lethargy on the court.
However, the Lakers need Ayton more than ever. With Luka Doncic joining LeBron James on the injury list and Gabe Vincent seemingly headed for a multi-game absence, Los Angeles requires someone to step up alongside Austin Reaves. And Ayton certainly rose to the occasion.
On Sunday night against the Sacramento Kings, Ayton delivered his best performance as a Laker, putting up 22 points, 15 rebounds, one steal, and one block, helping secure a 127-120 victory. Reaves, who had a career-best 51-point game, needed offensive support, and Ayton provided just that relief.
Interestingly, the Lakers’ playful trolling of Ayton appears to be having a positive effect. The team’s starting center openly admits that the teasing and negative motivation from his teammates stoke his competitive fire and push him to perform at his best. Ayton shared,
“They be trying to get me ticked off before these games, just to get me rolling. This is a thing y’all want to do. Y’all want to get me on edge. Y’all want me fired up. I like it. They always messing with me, just talking to me. It’s just trolling. They love my reactions over there. I be caught off guard with some of them. But I love it, man, trust me.”
Has Deandre Ayton finally found his groove with the Lakers? His stock was at an all-time low, which is why he was available for L.A. to sign using the midlevel exception—though notably, not even the full amount was used. Nevertheless, there might not be a better place for him to rebuild his value, especially playing alongside three exceptional playmakers: Doncic, James, and Reaves.
Looking ahead, a revenge game could be in the cards for Ayton. The Lakers will face the Portland Trail Blazers tomorrow night in the second game of a back-to-back. For the 27-year-old big man, that matchup is sure to have added personal significance.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/lakers-news-deandre-ayton-reveals-how-trolling-unlocked-best-game-for-la