This season has been an up-and-down one for Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton. The big man initially struggled to find his footing and chemistry with the rest of the team, but really began to figure things out down the stretch of the season and that has continued on in the playoffs.
Ayton’s defense on Rockets All-Star center Alperen Sengun has been extremely impressive and now his offense has shown through in the last couple games as well. In Game 5, Ayton was arguably the Lakers’ best player finishing with 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks, though it wasn’t enough as they fell to the Rockets 99-93. But regardless, Ayton is continuing to embrace the proper mindset this postseason and admitted he is looking to change the narrative surrounding him.
“Getting ready to do it again and be consistent isn’t a problem for me right now this postseason,” Ayton said after the Lakers came up short. “There’s really no slacking at all, just bringing effort and showing up for the playoffs. To me, it feels like win or go home. That’s how every game feels. And me, I’m on a whole different mission as well. Not only winning games for the Lakers but just trying to change the whole narrative of who I am. I’m trying to put this display on that I love this game and that I am a two-way player.”
The talent of Ayton has never been in question as he has the tools to be one of the best centers in the NBA, and has proven in the past that he can deliver on the biggest stages. However, inconsistency and his attitude has held him back and he has often followed strong showings with games in which you can barely remember him being on the court.
But he has stepped up to the challenge so far in these playoffs and the Lakers will need for that to continue if they want to close out this series. This is what the Lakers were looking for when they signed him in the summer and if he continues to deliver like this, he will indeed begin shifting that narrative that many have of him.
Austin Reaves ‘felt good’ in return to Lakers despite loss to the Rockets
Someone else the Lakers need to perform in a big way is Austin Reaves, who made his return for the first time in nearly a month. And even though they fell to the Rockets, Reaves said he felt good being back on the court.
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