Lakers Center Deandre Ayton Embraces Defensive Battle Against Rockets
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LOS ANGELES — April 21, 2026 — Deandre Ayton says he is enjoying every moment of his primary assignment in the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets: slowing down All-Star center Alperen Şengün.
After Thursday’s practice at Crypto.com Arena, the 7-footer described the Lakers’ defensive focus as “fun,” crediting constant communication and detailed game plans for Los Angeles’ early success. “I’m in a winning position, a winning team, and a team that wants to win,” Ayton said. “My level of focus, level of intent—everything’s really just amplified.”
Ayton, along with backup center Jaxson Hayes, has helped limit Şengün to 38.5 percent shooting through the first two games. The Turkish big man averaged 51.9 percent from the field during the regular season.
“Just being at war with guys that are on the same mission as you,” Ayton added. “I love to compete, I love to model myself after being a two-way player in this league, and I take pride in that. The playoffs is where you can show it the best.”
Head coach Darvin Ham’s scheme prioritizes preventing Kevin Durant from taking over, leaving Ayton and Hayes to handle Houston’s interior attack. Their size and strength have kept Şengün away from his preferred spots and limited the Rockets’ second-chance opportunities.
Ayton emphasized that rebounding remains critical. “It’s really the multiple efforts in the same possession,” he said. “If a shot goes up, find a man, close the possession, and let’s get on the break.”
With the Lakers leading the series 2-0, Ayton expects Houston to adjust, but he believes maintaining collective intensity will keep the Rockets’ offense in check.
Source: Lakers Nation
