Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Reveals Key to 6-Game Win Streak

The Los Angeles Lakers are rolling as the playoffs near, and while Luka Doncic deservedly gets the headlines, it may be Deandre Ayton who has been most key to the recent run.

During a losing streak about a month ago, Ayton was highly criticized for his dismissiveness toward the role the team needed him to play

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“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton was quoted as saying. “I’m not no Clint Capela!”

But after “looking in the mirror,” Ayton has come around and is on board with the team’s plan, as reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic.

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

What Changed for Deandre Ayton?

Ayton told The Athletic Monday that the key was removing an emphasis on scoring.

“I scratched that, I took that out. I said … when it comes to scoring, we don’t need that,” he said. “We need you to put that energy what you have for offense and into defense.

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“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.’”

So far, it’s been a big success.

“And I’m having fun with it, I’m not gonna lie,” he added.