Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton could not hide his enthusiasm Friday night after the club closed a five-game road trip with a convincing victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
On Nov. 15, 2025, the Lakers, playing the second half of a back-to-back, rolled past Milwaukee and lifted their record to 10-4. Ayton helped power the 128-103 win, posting 20 points and 10 rebounds while converting 9 of 13 shots and spending long stretches defending Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Asked postgame how he felt about Los Angeles’ fast start, the 7-foot center at first tried to keep his cool before breaking into a grin and admitting he was “really excited” about the team’s early success, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Speaking later on Spectrum SportsNet, Ayton described the matchup as “a good challenge,” adding that both clubs “wanted it” after emotional games the previous night. “We just locked in, stayed aggressive, attacked the rim and played together,” he said. He noted that the Lakers had already faced back-to-back situations against Portland, Oklahoma City and now Milwaukee, and viewed Friday as another chance to respond.
Los Angeles signed Ayton during the offseason to address a glaring need in the middle. Through 14 games, the move appears to be paying dividends for both sides. Head coach JJ Redick recently praised the 27-year-old for playing “winning basketball,” underscoring his fit alongside the Lakers’ veteran core.
The Lakers return home next week looking to build on their early momentum, while Ayton continues what has been one of the most efficient stretches of his NBA career.
Source: Lakers Nation
