Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Earns NBA Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for November
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Los Angeles — The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association on Tuesday named Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton the November recipient of the Bob Lanier Community Assist Award.
The honor recognizes Ayton’s recent work supporting families and children in the Bahamas, Jamaica and Southern California. Along with the award, the league and the NBPA will direct a $20,000 donation to the Ayton Family Foundation (AFF).
Extending help from Jamaica to Los Angeles
Born in the Bahamas to a Jamaican-born mother, Ayton launched several projects in his mother’s hometown of St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. In July, the AFF helped revitalize the Cedar Springs Community Center, supplying residents with food, school materials, games and health services before hosting more than 100 children for the reopening celebration.
The foundation has also contributed $100,000 to hurricane relief and pledged continued support for rebuilding efforts in 2026.
In Los Angeles, Ayton introduced the “Ayton Ally-Oop” program to give Southern California youth access to live sporting events, prioritizing organizations that serve underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities. The AFF has also partnered with SüprMarkt LA, a Black-led food justice group tackling food insecurity in South Los Angeles.
Lakers celebrate the award in practice
The Lakers surprised Ayton with the announcement during a recent practice session. “My family taught me that feeding people is love, and that’s exactly what the Foundation represents,” Ayton said in a statement. “We honor our roots by giving back, creating access and building a stronger future for the communities that made us who we are.”
Continuing that family tradition, Ayton’s mother, Andrea, recently prepared a traditional Caribbean meal for Lakers players and staff.
About the Bob Lanier Community Assist Award
The NBA created the monthly award to honor Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, who played 14 seasons with the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks and later spent more than 30 years as an NBA Cares global ambassador.
Source: Lakers Nation
