LOS ANGELES — Deandre Ayton believes this postseason offers a chance to change how he is perceived across the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers center delivered 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in Tuesday’s 99-93 Game 5 loss to the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena, then said he is focused on proving he can be a reliable two-way force.
“There’s really no slacking at all, just bringing effort and showing up for the playoffs,” Ayton told reporters. “It feels like win or go home every game. I’m on a whole different mission — not only winning games for the Lakers but changing the narrative of who I am.”
The 2025-26 regular season was uneven for the 27-year-old, who joined Los Angeles as a free agent last summer. After early struggles fitting in, he found a rhythm late in the year and has continued that form against Houston, limiting All-Star center Alperen Şengün while increasingly contributing on offense.
Head coach Darvin Ham and teammates have praised Ayton’s consistency in the first-round series, which Los Angeles now trails 3-2. The Lakers will need another strong showing from the 7-footer to avoid elimination in Game 6.
Reaves Returns
Guard Austin Reaves played for the first time in nearly a month, logging limited minutes and reporting no setbacks. “It felt good to be back out there,” Reaves said, though his return was not enough to overcome Houston’s late surge.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Houston.
Source: Lakers Nation
