Deandre Ayton has been a force for the Los Angeles Lakers at the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, consistently posting double-doubles in six of the first 15 games. The 27-year-old Center has held his own against some of the league’s top talent, including Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Ayton hit a rough patch recently, but he bounced back with authority against the Orlando Magic, notching 21 points and a game-high 13 rebounds in just 32 minutes.
Despite Ayton’s stellar performance, the Lakers suffered a narrow 109-110 loss due to a late-game decision by Luka Doncic, who chose to pass to LeBron James instead of taking an open three-pointer. Still, Ayton’s resurgence was a bright spot, underscoring the critical role he plays for the team.
In a bid to keep Ayton motivated, the Lakers’ training staff has come up with a humorous yet effective strategy. They wrap his water bottle in tape and label it “DA’s Crunk Juice - Drink this to unleash the beast,” a playful nod to boosting his spirits and performance.
This lighthearted approach comes at a crucial time, as Ayton has been navigating some challenges in the locker room. His candidness in a recent post-game interview shed light on some of the issues he’s facing with the team.
The Lakers’ creative tactic to uplift Ayton quickly caught fire on social media, with fans reacting with a mix of disbelief and humor. Comments ranged from playful jabs about Space Jam to more serious takes on the team’s morale-boosting efforts.
As the Lakers find themselves in a two-game slump, the need to energize not just Ayton but the entire roster is more pressing than ever. With only 25 games left and the team sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference, every win is crucial. It’s time for the Lakers to rally, regain their momentum, and make a strong push as the season progresses.