Deandre Ayton Finds Recent Focus with Lakers, Embraces Role as ‘Effort Guy’

HOUSTON — Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton has undergone a shift in mindset, fully committing to his role with the team and prioritizing impactful play over individual scoring. This transformation comes after a period of reflection following a road loss to the Denver Nuggets, where Ayton resolved to focus on contributing to winning basketball.

A Change in Perspective

Following the Lakers’ defeat against the Nuggets, Ayton made a conscious decision to redefine his contribution to the team. He determined to no longer be a detriment and to concentrate solely on impacting winning plays. This renewed focus has been evident in recent performances, including wins against the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets.

“I’m telling you, once I sit that long, that’s usually it,” Ayton joked with The Athletic. “It’s like … ‘You out (of the game) for a reason — go think about it. But lately it’s been like, ‘Nah, DA. You good.’“

“And I’ve completely … I bought in. Completely, like 110 percent. I hope you see the work.”

Embracing a New Role

Ayton acknowledges that his role with the Lakers differs from the expectations he carried earlier in his career. He has accepted that he doesn’t demand to be the primary scoring option, instead focusing on defensive intensity, rebounding, and setting screens.

“That’s a fact. That is a true fact,” he told The Athletic about scoring. “But me, I scratched that, I took that out. I said … when it comes to scoring, we don’t need that. We need you to put that energy what you have for offense and into defense.”

He continued, “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.”

Impact on the Lakers’ Success

The Lakers (43-25 as of March 18, 2026) have won six straight and nine of their last ten games, with Ayton playing a key role in their recent success. Despite career lows in minutes, points, and rebounds, Ayton recognizes the value of being part of a playoff-contending team.

Ayton’s contributions have been visible in various ways, from a 23-point, 10-rebound performance against the Chicago Bulls to strong defensive efforts against Nikola Jokić and a crucial closing shift against the Houston Rockets.

“I was energized, and I was having fun,” Ayton said. “So I really like that the team is trusting me, man. I just don’t want to lose the trust, bro. That’s really what’s getting my juices going and me biting my fingernails waiting to get back in the damn game for real.”

“Just getting back to having fun — I’m not gonna lie.”

As the Lakers prepare for the postseason, Ayton’s commitment to effort and team play positions him as a vital component of their potential playoff run.