Deandre Ayton’s arrival in Los Angeles has been a win on every front for the Lakers - and not just because of what he’s doing between the lines.
Signed to a two-year deal after a summer buyout from Portland, Ayton has delivered exactly what the Lakers needed in the frontcourt - and then some. He’s averaging 15.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting a scorching 71 percent from the field.
That efficiency isn’t just eye-catching - it’s elite, especially for a big man adjusting to a new system. Add in his presence as a rim protector and anchor in the paint, and Ayton has been a stabilizing force for L.A. on both ends of the floor.
But what’s really setting Ayton apart this season is the impact he’s making off the court.
Through the Ayton Family Foundation, the Lakers big man has been investing serious time, energy, and resources into the communities that matter most to him - from Los Angeles to the Bahamas to Jamaica. That work earned him the NBA’s Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for the month of November, a recognition that clearly meant a lot to him.
“Speechless, to be honest. It was an award I didn’t expect,” Ayton said after a recent practice.
“I try to invest to give back and contribute the best way I can in things me and my family care about… I truly appreciate the community, especially the Lakers. Even being on this platform, making it worldwide.”
Ayton’s words reflect a player who understands the responsibility that comes with the jersey he wears - and the platform that comes with it. When Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of Jamaica, Ayton and his foundation stepped up quickly, donating $100,000 toward relief efforts and pledging continued support for rebuilding efforts through 2026. That’s not a one-time check - that’s a long-term commitment.
Closer to home, Ayton has launched the Ayton Alley-Oop initiative, a program designed to bring live sports experiences to underserved youth across Southern California. It’s not just about getting kids to games - it’s about creating access, building inspiration, and showing young people what’s possible.
For the Lakers, having a player who embodies the values of the franchise both on and off the court is invaluable. The organization has always placed a premium on community engagement, and Ayton has embraced that culture wholeheartedly.
And while this is Ayton’s first year in purple and gold, it’s clear the connection is already strong. Head coach JJ Redick noted that the team has enjoyed getting to know Ayton just as much as he’s enjoyed the new chapter in L.A.
He didn’t come into a locker room full of familiar faces, but Ayton is quickly becoming a respected presence inside the organization - and a fan favorite outside of it. His production is steady, his defense is dependable, and his heart is fully in the community. For a Lakers team trying to contend while staying grounded in its values, Deandre Ayton is proving to be a perfect fit.