New Los Angeles Lakers center DeAndre Ayton had lackluster showing in the first two pre-season games he’s played but he made up for them big time when they returned to their own home court at Staples Arena. The 2018 first overall pick filled up the statline in win over the Golden State Warriors with his 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 26 minutes.
What changed for the big man? It must be the atmosphere and fan reception.
“I wanted to come home and, you know, hear the fans and feel that energy,” Ayton said after the game.
“So, today was a good little warm welcome… I know it’s not an official game, but it definitely showed some love to me and I enjoyed it.”
Ayton was acquired by the Lakers over the summer as an answer to the call for a big man which they lacked last season, leading to their first round exit in the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Deandre Ayton, after going 6-for-8 from the field and dishing out five assists Sunday, spoke about how he’s finding his comfort in the Lakers offense and operating out of the short roll. “Really just speaking up … Playing in that pocket and adding that to Laker basketball” pic.twitter.com/WjdLKA6MTs
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 13, 2025
DeAndre Ayton says he will be the anchor of defense
Head coach JJ Redick earlier stated that he needs to have more touches and be active as roller and screener.
“I think for all our bigs their ability to put pressure on the rim as a runner and as a lob threat is really important,” Redick said.
“And with Deandre he gives us something that we didn’t have last year post-trade which is if teams do go to reds –switches– he historically, and we’ve seen it in practice, he historically has been great at punishing smaller defenders at the front of the rim.”
Ayton is determined to answer the call and he believes his recent game at the Staples Center showed what he can do.
“Just really changing the narrative of protecting the rim on the defensive end,” he said during courtside interview.
“JJ’s really put it on me and put an emphasis that he wants his bigs protecting the rim. So, I’m just trying to be a big part of that… to let the world and the league know that I’m the Lakers center and the anchor of the defense.”
Right now, there’s still a lot of work to do for the Lakers. They haven’t had a game with Luka Doncic and Lebron James with whom Ayton will play big minutes.
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