Deandre Ayton Wins NBA’s Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for November, Honoring His Global Impact
Deandre Ayton isn’t just making his presence felt in the paint-he’s making it felt in communities across the globe. The Los Angeles Lakers center has been named the NBA’s Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for November, a recognition that speaks volumes about the work he’s doing off the court.
The honor, presented by the NBA and NBPA, comes with a $20,000 donation to the Ayton Family Foundation (AFF), and it’s a nod to a wide-reaching effort that spans from the Bahamas to Jamaica to Los Angeles. For Ayton, this isn’t just about giving back-it’s about honoring his roots and building something lasting for the communities that shaped him.
A Legacy of Service Rooted in Family
Ayton was born in the Bahamas, and his mother, Andrea, is from Jamaica. That cultural heritage is front and center in the work he’s doing through the AFF.
“My family taught me that feeding people is love, and that’s exactly what the Foundation represents,” Ayton said. “We honor our roots by giving back, creating access and building a stronger future for the communities that made us who we are.”
That philosophy isn’t just talk-it’s been put into action in a big way.
Rebuilding and Revitalizing in Jamaica
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Ayton and the AFF have stepped up in a major way in St. Elizabeth Parish, his mother’s hometown in Jamaica.
In July, the foundation helped revitalize the Cedar Springs Community Center, turning it into a hub for local residents. We're talking food access, school supplies, games for kids, and health services-real, tangible support.
To celebrate the reopening, Ayton hosted more than 100 local children, creating a moment of joy and hope in a community still recovering from the storm. On top of that, the foundation donated $100,000 toward ongoing hurricane relief efforts, with a pledge to keep supporting rebuilding projects well into 2026.
Giving Back in L.A. with the Ayton Ally-Oop Program
Ayton’s impact isn’t limited to the Caribbean. He’s making moves in Los Angeles too, launching the Ayton Ally-Oop program through the AFF. This initiative is all about creating access-specifically, giving kids from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities the chance to experience live sports.
It’s more than just a ticket to a game. It’s about inspiration, exposure, and opportunity-showing young people what’s possible and helping them dream bigger.
Ayton and the AFF have also teamed up with SüprMarkt LA, a Black-led food justice organization tackling food insecurity in South Los Angeles. It’s a partnership that aligns perfectly with Ayton’s core belief: feeding people is love.
A Family Affair
That belief came to life in a special way recently when Ayton’s mother, Andrea, cooked a traditional Caribbean meal for the entire Lakers organization. It was a moment that brought culture, community, and gratitude together-exactly the kind of gesture that defines the Ayton family’s approach to service.
Honoring the Legacy of Bob Lanier
The Bob Lanier Community Assist Award is named after the late Hall of Famer who spent 14 seasons with the Pistons and Bucks and later served as the NBA Cares Ambassador for more than three decades. Lanier was known not just for his on-court talent, but for his heart-traveling the world, sharing the game, and uplifting communities.
Ayton’s work is a fitting tribute to that legacy. He’s using his platform to make a real difference, staying connected to his roots while building bridges across continents.
Whether he’s grabbing boards at Crypto.com Arena or rebuilding community centers in Jamaica, Deandre Ayton is proving that impact goes well beyond the box score. And with the Ayton Family Foundation leading the way, it’s clear this is just the beginning.