The Los Angeles Lakers gathered for an unexpected team meal this week when center Deandre Ayton’s mother, Andrea Ayton, prepared a full spread of Jamaican dishes at the club’s El Segundo training facility.
According to the organization, Andrea arrived at 3 a.m. to start cooking and had the buffet ready before players and staff reported for the day’s activities. The menu featured fried chicken, jerk chicken, plantains, oxtails, cabbage, and rice and peas—foods that reflect her Jamaican heritage. Deandre Ayton, although born in the Bahamas, grew up with the same Caribbean flavors.
Teammates and staff sampled the meal throughout the morning. Forward Jake LaRavia returned for seconds and was seen boxing up leftovers. Assistant coach Lindsay Harding said sharing home-cooked food gave the roster a chance to connect away from basketball talk, strengthening team chemistry.
Andrea Ayton began cooking for large groups through church events and has continued the practice wherever her son plays. Her early-morning effort marked the first time she has catered for the Lakers since Deandre signed with the franchise during the offseason.
The team’s off-court bonding follows a stretch in which Ayton contributed to a road victory over the Phoenix Suns, a game he later described as emotionally charged but necessary for the Lakers’ momentum.
Source: Lakers Nation
