Coming into this season for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most intriguing pieces was center Deandre Ayton. The former top overall pick was looking to change the narrative on his career after a down year and questions about his dedication to the game and overall attitude.
There were certainly some ups and downs throughout the season, but ultimately Ayton did lean into his role as more of a rebounder and rim protector and thrived for the most part once he did so. Even still, the big man admitted that his first season with the Lakers was a humbling one.
“A lot of sacrifices,” Ayton said when asked how his season went. “I came in with a different mindset and I had to adjust. It was a very humbling experience as well, so I’m just really glad I got to show that and my style of play, just being coachable and doing what’s best for the team.”
Ayton infamously ranted in the locker room about the role the Lakers were asking him to play. However, he would eventually accept that the Lakers didn’t need him to be a scorer, but rather a physical presence in the paint.
“I came in here with a scorer’s mentality and we don’t really need that,” Ayton added. “We have the best players on the team and the best playmakers. I tiny bit had to break down my game where it’s just rebounding and defending the rim is what the team wanted. It’s not what I want, but it’s what the team wanted to do to progress to wins.”
This was best on display during the Lakers’ first-round playoff victory over the Houston Rockets, where Ayton’s physicality and defense against Alperen Sengun was a major factor in their success. Ultimately, Ayton was proud of how he adapted his game to fit what the Lakers needed.
“Just how I accepted everything and adapted,” Ayton responded when asked what he is most proud of. “I feel like I grew in some areas where I never thought I was gonna really grow up. Just accepting the challenge and the criticism, constructive criticism as well, and just being that guy the team wants me to be, no matter what it is. I’m really happy I have it at 27 to sit down and be coachable.”
Deandre Ayton can control his future
Ayton has a player option for $8.1 million next season and it is unclear whether he will choose to return or opt out for a bigger contract.
It certainly wasn’t a perfect season as there were times where things were great and others where he saw himself watching the end of games from the bench. Whether he will be back with the Lakers next season is anyone’s guess at this point, but Ayton holds all of the cards due to that player option.
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