Deandre Ayton Fully Embraces Reduced Role With Lakers
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Center Deandre Ayton said this week that he is “110 percent” committed to the responsibilities the Los Angeles Lakers have assigned him, marking a sharp turn from his public frustration last month over how the team was utilizing him.
Since sitting out briefly with knee soreness, the 25-year-old has delivered a string of productive performances that have helped fuel the club’s current six-game winning streak. Head coach JJ Redick continues to mix and match his front-court options, sometimes finishing games with Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber, or no traditional center at all, but Ayton has recently carved out a consistent niche.
The Lakers have asked the former No. 1 overall pick to accept a smaller offensive role than he held in previous stops. His primary tasks are defending, rebounding at both ends, setting solid screens, and rolling hard to the rim. Three weeks ago, Ayton complained that the team was “trying to make me Clint Capela,” yet he now says he has embraced the assignment.
“When it comes to scoring, we don’t need that,” Ayton explained. “I came here to be the effort guy, close out possessions, rebound, run the floor hard, make bigs work, make superstars work. And I’m having fun with it.”
Ayton, selected first in the 2018 draft, never reached star status during his five seasons in Phoenix or his two years in Portland. After a buyout with the Trail Blazers last summer, he signed a one-year, $8.1 million deal with Los Angeles that includes an $8.1 million player option for 2026-27.
Approaching what would be his first postseason appearance in three years, Ayton said keeping the coaching staff’s confidence is his top motivation. “I really like that the team is trusting me,” he said. “I just don’t want to lose the trust.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
