After the Los Angeles Lakers’ embarrassing first-round exit from the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, the franchise went into the offseason with one clear mission that was to get tougher inside. Their answer? Deandre Ayton. The former No. 1 overall pick was brought in to anchor the paint and give the Lakers the interior presence they desperately lacked.
But as preseason tipped off fans weren’t exactly impressed. Ayton’s slow start raised concerns about whether the big man was truly the right fit. However, after the Lakers’ dominant win over the Golden State Warriors on October 12 Ayton made sure to silence his critics.
What Did Deandre Ayton Say About His Role With the Lakers?
Following the Lakers’ victory over the Warriors on Sunday Ayton addressed the media during the postgame interview. When asked about his mentality regarding defense and his role with the Lakers, the 27-year-old center didn’t hesitate.
“Just really changing the narrative of protecting the rim on the defensive end. JJ put an emphasis that he wanted his bigs protecting the rim. I’m just trying to let the world know and the league know that I’m the Lakers center and anchor of this defense,” said Ayton during the postgame interview.Â
“I’m just trying to let the world know and the league know that I’m the Lakers center and anchor of this defense.”
Deandre Ayton (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) speaks with @LakersReporter after the Lakers defeat the Warriors, 126-116 in the preseason. pic.twitter.com/vpQHJYz1et
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) October 13, 2025
This isn’t the first time Ayton has emphasized his defensive mindset since joining Los Angeles. After his preseason debut against his former team, the Phoenix Suns Ayton had already made his intentions clear.
“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end, more than the offense … I’m not here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do,” said Ayton after his debut game with the Lakers.
Despite scoring just one point and missing both field-goal attempts in 18 minutes, he told reporters that his focus this year is on defense and not on personal scoring. That performance initially sparked criticism among fans. Most of them questioned whether the Lakers had made the right move by acquiring him.
But on October 12 Ayton responded in style. Against the Warriors, he put up 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on an efficient 6-for-8 shooting from the field. It wasn’t just the numbers that were great, but it was how he played.
As for the game itself, the Lakers looked confident. They set the tone early, racing to a six-point lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Los Angeles had the game’s most significant lead of 21 points.
By halftime, the Purple and Gold held a comfortable 17-point cushion. Moreover, the Lakers poured in 63 points after the break, which proved too much for the Warriors to handle, and they ultimately lost. Now if we see all eyes are on October 14 when Ayton and the Lakers face the Phoenix Suns once again.
