Deandre Ayton's recent comments about embracing his role with the Lakers have caught the attention of fans, especially those familiar with his time in Phoenix. As the Lakers surge with a 9-1 record in their last 10 games, Ayton's newfound dedication is under the spotlight. Speaking to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Ayton shared his mindset shift, emphasizing the importance of playing his part effectively:
“I just started looking in the mirror and said ‘Yo bro, … you’re not that guy. You don’t need to be on this team doing that at all.
This team, you came here to be the effort guy and close out possessions, rebound. Run the damn floor hard as hell, make bigs work, make superstars work.”
For Suns fans, this narrative sounds all too familiar. When Ayton signed his four-year extension with Phoenix in 2022, there was a wave of optimism about his potential to elevate the team. However, his inconsistency and attitude led to his departure the following offseason.
Now with the Lakers, Ayton seems to have embraced his role. He mentioned that JJ Redick encouraged the team to approach the season's final stretch with a "playoff atmosphere" mentality. Ayton expressed his commitment, noting, "everybody's been completely locked in" and that he's "tired of being the odd man out."
Adjusting to his role in Los Angeles took time, but Ayton's recent performances suggest he's finding his groove. The Lakers' current success might be linked to his acceptance of the rim-running, defensive-focused role he once resisted. This version of Ayton could be pivotal for the Lakers' postseason aspirations, reminiscent of the impact Clint Capela has had in similar roles.
Whether Ayton can maintain this level of play and focus remains to be seen, but for now, the Lakers are benefiting from his contributions. If he continues this trajectory, Los Angeles might just have the edge they need to make a deep playoff run.