Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was recently recognized by the NBA for the work he has done in communities around the world by naming him the recipient of the Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for the month of November.
Through his Ayton Family Foundation, the Lakers big man has helped a lot in rebuilding the community in his mother’s home town of St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. He also recently launched the Ayton Ally-Oop program to help provide live sports experiences for underprivileged youth throughout Southern California.
The Lakers actually surprised Ayton with the announcement and the entire team celebrated him for his worthy accomplishment. Head coach JJ Redick also spoke about how happy he is for Ayton getting the much-deserved recognition and how much the team has enjoyed getting to know him.
“I think we were in Memphis at shootaround when I found out about the gift he made for the relief in the Bahamas,” Redick said. “I think he’s clearly got an amazing heart and I think our guys have gotten to see him open up to the group. It’s been really fun for everyone. And he’s been very consistent. I’m happy that he was recognized by the NBA. There’s a lot of guys across the league that do things in their communities and it’s an important thing for him to get recognized and I’m happy for him.”
Ayton has made a major impact for the Lakers on the court, but it is great seeing him get recognized for what he is doing off the court as well. Not many athletes are as dedicated as Ayton has been in looking to help the communities closest to him and he is doing things that are truly for the greater good.
The Lakers big man helped to revitalize the Cedar Springs Community Center in St. Elizabeth Parish while also pledging $100,000 towards immediate hurricane relief as well as long-term rebuilding efforts in Jamaica in 2026. Additionally, his Ayton Ally-Oop program has partnered with SüprMarkt LA, a Black-led food justice organization working to address food insecurity in South Los Angeles.
The Lakers organization has always been one that is very close with the Southern California community, participating in so many initiatives to help out the less fortunate and Ayton fits right into that with his willingness and desire to help and improve those in need. It is beautiful to see him being recognized for his efforts and the entire franchise backing him throughout.
Deandre Ayton’s mom cooks meal for Lakers players and staff
Deandre Ayton has spoken about his family teaching him that feeding people is love and that was on full display recently as his mother Andrea prepared a massive spread of traditional Caribbean food for the Lakers players, coaches and staff.
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