The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling as the playoffs approach, and while Luka Doncic deserves to be in the headlines, Deandre Ayton may be the most crucial player on this team as of late.
During the losing streak about a month ago, Ayton was heavily criticized for being dismissive of the role the team needed him to play.
advertise
“They want me to be Clint Capela,” Ayton said. “I’m not Clint Capella!”
But according to Dan Woike, Ayton has come around and agreed to the team’s plan after “looking in the mirror.” Competitor.
“I’ve totally…I’ve accepted it. Completely, like 110 percent. I want you to see the work,” he said.
What happened to Deandre Ayton?
Ayton told Competitor On Monday, the key will be to remove the emphasis on scoring.
“I scraped it off, I took it out. I said … when it comes to scoring, we don’t need it,” he said. “We need you to put your energy into offense and defense.
advertise
“I started looking in the mirror and saying ‘Yo, man, … you’re not like that. You don’t have to do that on this team. This team, you’re here to fight hard, rebound the ball. Run the floor as hard as you can, let the big guys make plays, let the superstars make plays.'”
So far, it’s been a huge success.
“I’m enjoying it, I’m not going to lie,” he added.
