Deandre Ayton Reveals the Secret: “They Trash-Talk Me to Fire Me Up”
The new Lakers center dominates Sabonis and explains the team’s secret: his teammates push his buttons to bring out his best
Deandre Ayton played a crucial role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ win last night at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center.
The Bahamian center logged 36 minutes, posting a 22-point, 15-rebound, 2-assist double-double that anchored the team inside.
While Austin Reaves’ 51-point explosion grabbed all the headlines, it’s worth focusing on Ayton’s new mindset. The former Suns big man admitted that his teammates have found a rather unique way to keep him locked in and motivated.
They all have their own way of trying to get under my skin… Man, they’re always on me. AR’s on me. AR’s my guy. Luka’s my guy. But in general, all my teammates try to piss me off before games – just to get me hyped up.
Deandre Ayton
Ayton explained that this trash-talk ritual has become a pregame tradition in the Lakers locker room – a playful yet intentional way to light his competitive fire.
I’m starting to realize it’s kind of a ritual. They don’t let up until we step on the floor. Then, once we’re out there, everything turns serious. And I’m like, ‘Oh, so this is what you like doing – getting me fired up, getting me locked in.’
Deandre Ayton
The former Suns star also acknowledged how much the trust and support of his new teammates are fueling his motivation – something he admits had been missing in recent seasons.
I love it. My teammates are starting to understand me. It’s been a while since I’ve had guys who really care, and trust me, that makes me play with even more energy and motivation.
Deandre Ayton
Between buckets and boards, Reaves and the rest of the Lakers keep teasing Ayton – but the big man is clearly responding in the best way possible. Lakers fans are now hoping they’ve finally found the consistent, reliable center they’ve been searching for.
Head coach JJ Redick praised Ayton’s offensive performance after the win:
Offensively, it was definitely his best game. He was really good in the pick-and-roll and made smart reads all night
JJ Redick
With a stable environment and a locker room that genuinely believes in him, Ayton looks ready to regain his rhythm and confidence – two ingredients that could help him reach the star potential many envisioned when he first entered the NBA.