The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 124-116 on Wednesday night with Luka Doncic dropping 40 points and narrowly missing a triple-double. The star rightfully drew the headlines, but fans also saw Deandre Ayton fully buy into his role and make winning plays. He told fans that he finally did just that (subscription required), and the big man immediately delivered on his words.
Ayton had 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in 34 minutes of action in Houston. He made eight of his ten field goals as he kept diving to the rim for lobs. It goes to show there are plenty of easy buckets available if Ayton just acts as a rim roller for Luka.
His energy and effort on both ends were exactly what the Lakers needed. LA has won seven straight and ten of their last 11 behind improved defense and shot-making. Ayton playing a key role as a rim protector and finisher is a must. Luckily, he’s doing exactly that.
Deandre Ayton proved he is standing on his words when the Lakers need it most
There has been much chatter about Ayton’s role this season. He wants to be DominAyton, but the Lakers have Luka, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. They need him to be a screen setter, rim protector, rebounder, and lob threat. Ayton is finally realizing all that and made it clear that he is ready to do what his team needs in a story by Dan Woike of The Athletic.
“And I’ve completely … I bought in. Completely, like 110 percent. I hope you see the work.”
Ayton didn’t stop there. He admitted to himself that his words and actions have weight, which is exactly what the Lakers need.
“I just started looking in the mirror and said, ‘Yo bro, … you’re not that guy. You don’t need to be on this team doing that at all. This team, you came here to be the effort guy and close out possessions, rebound. Run the damn floor hard as hell, make bigs work, make superstars work.
“And I’m having fun with it, I’m not gonna lie.”
This Ayton makes Los Angeles a serious threat. They’ve won seven consecutive games, including victories over the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Knicks, and Rockets. Those are elite teams, and the Lakers have secured playoff seeding tiebreakers over all the teams right around them in the standings. Luka is playing out of his mind, but Ayton buying into his role has been just as crucial to the purple and gold’s success.
Everybody wrote the Lakers off, but they have suddenly become a serious title threat. LA is doing all the little things to make it happen. Ayton buying into his role was massive, and everyone is following suit. LeBron James is accepting being the number three option. Marcus Smart is playing elite defense, and every player just wants to win.
Deandre Ayton wasted no time proving to Los Angeles Lakers fans that he meant what he said. The big man is embracing his role and thriving in it. That is exactly what JJ Redick and the franchise wanted all year. Everyone is seeing the rewards. Hopefully, Ayton stays bought in because that is the key to a deep playoff run. All fans can do is stay tuned to find out.