Deandre Ayton Highlights Defensive Focus in First Lakers Appearance
deandre-ayton-emphasizes-defense-in-preseason-lakers-debut
Palm Desert, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers opened their 2025 preseason on Friday night with a 108-101 loss to the Phoenix Suns, but the game offered an early glimpse of new starting center Deandre Ayton in the Lakers’ lineup.
Ayton, 27, recorded just one point on 0-for-2 shooting and committed four turnovers at Acrisure Arena. In 18 minutes, however, he pulled down eight rebounds, blocked two shots and added one assist, underscoring what he called a renewed commitment to defense.
“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end than the offensive end,” Ayton said after the game. “I’m not really here for numbers. The main objective is protecting that rim and closing out possessions.”
Ayton said he embraced the role of defensive anchor, adding that his teammates responded well to his communication in coverages. “I had fun, man—just blocked some shots and being that anchor,” he noted.
The former No. 1 overall pick signed with Los Angeles partly to play alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, neither of whom suited up against Phoenix. Their absence tempered any concern about his limited offensive involvement.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re scoring or shooting—you’ve got Luka Doncic, you’ve got LeBron James and Austin Reaves,” Ayton said. “If you get more than two shots, that’s how the game was supposed to go. Coach JJ Redick trusts those guys to handle the ball and me to handle the paint.”
While Los Angeles struggled to generate rhythm without its primary playmakers, Ayton’s defensive activity provided a positive takeaway for head coach Redick as the Lakers continue preseason preparations.
The Bahamian center also welcomed the heightened expectations that come with wearing purple and gold. “Pressure is a privilege, and I’m in the right place where everything counts,” he told reporters earlier in the week. “I’m here to add to that legacy and bring a title.”
Source: Lakers Nation
