Deandre Ayton is enjoying a career resurgence with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Ayton said this is what he wanted. He stood behind the microphones before flying to Oklahoma City with his teammates.
Playoff Return Brings Renewed Focus
After missing the playoffs his first two years in the NBA, Ayton played 45 playoff games over the next three postseasons. Two years in Portland, with 57 wins over two injury-filled seasons, made Ayton feel invisible.
“Disappeared,” he said of the playoff absences.
With another series set to begin against the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, Ayton is grateful to be looked at again.
“The fans and the media, you know, just everything around it,” he said when asked what he’d missed most about the playoffs. “Just that whole atmosphere and just being in that. Having that attention on you again and everybody watching every little detail. Every little possession, every little thing is so important, and there’s so many things that can change with the game. And I just love it. You know, this attention to detail and just being consistent — it’s true professionalism.
“This is where people make their names, and this is where people get to see you play for real. … It’s a big stage, and I’m truly happy to be back.”
Ayton’s Impact on the Lakers
Ayton averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in 31 minutes per game in the Lakers’ first-round series. He mostly out-played Rockets centre Alperen Şengün.
- Nikola Jokić
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Jayson Tatum
- Şengün
These were the only other players to average at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in the first round.
“DA’s had a great season. He was instrumental in us getting past Houston,” Redick said. “I think his … his, like, baseline of who he is every day for the last two, two and a half months has been awesome. And I know his teammates, certainly the staff, we’ve all embraced him all season long. Again, he’s the person that changes our ceiling the most.”
Challenges Ahead Against the Thunder
The task is even tougher against the Thunder. Chet Holmgren is the kind of rim protector who can disrupt Ayton’s finesse game at the basket. And Isaiah Hartenstein’s strength forces a game-long physical commitment.
But again, this is what Ayton wanted.
As much as anyone else, Marcus Smart understands. The two have been linked together all season as offseason acquisitions the Lakers secured following buyouts from their former te