DeAndre Ayton is embracing a different role with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he's being honest about the adjustment it took to get there.
Speaking recently with The Athletic, the Lakers' center reflected on a mindset shift that has helped him better fit into the team's current system. Rather than focusing on being a primary scoring option, Ayton says he's leaning into the less glamorous parts of the game: defense, rebounding, and energy.
"I scratched that, I took that out," Ayton said of his offensive production. "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."
The former No. 1 overall pick made it clear that the realization wasn't about diminishing his overall ability but about understanding what his team actually needs from him right now.
"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,'" he continued. "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."
Ayton added that the change has been refreshing as he said he's "having fun with it."
Throughout the season, it's been evident that the Lakers don't need Ayton operating as a featured scorer with Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James in tow. They team needs Ayton to do the work that impacts winning beyond the box score, which is setting strong screens, defending at a high level, finishing plays, and keeping possessions alive.
Ayton admitted it took time to fully buy into that role.
"[Head coach JJ Redick] been instilling to us that this is a playoff atmosphere, and we fighting for a playoff position," he said. "You can tell LeBron's been locked in, Luka, everybody's been completely locked in, and I'm just tired of being the odd man out … It's just me finally catching up. Team's been there; it's just been me."
The shift appears to be paying off. The Lakers have been on a strong run, and Ayton's renewed focus on effort and defense has helped stabilize the team as it pushes toward the postseason.
