On October 26, the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the Sacramento Kings, mainly through the efforts of fan favorite Austin Reaves. The fifth-year guard was masterful, scoring a career-high 51 points while dishing out nine assists.
However, the Lakers were able to get strong performances from multiple players, most notably former first-overall pick Deandre Ayton.
DeAndre Ayton Outplays Sacramento Kings’ Franchise Center Domantas Sabonis
The oft-criticized Ayton recorded a double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds, adding two assists, one steal, and one block. It wasn’t a perfect game for the big man, who was sometimes too undisciplined. Even so, he outplayed the Kings’ franchise center, Domantas Sabonis, who finished with just 10 points in 31 minutes.
Following the game, Ayton put the spotlight on his teammates for their role in his night:
“They all have their own little thing to get my head on,” he says, per ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin. “AR’s my guy. Luka’s my guy. But my wings and my forwards? They be trying to get me ticked off before the games, just to get me rolling.
“And I’m starting to see it’s a trend because I don’t get a break ’til we get on the court and it’s all seriousness.”
“They be trying to get me ticked off before these games, just to get me rolling.” Deandre Ayton, after putting up 22 pts and 15 reb against the Kings, explains how his teammates sometimes “troll” him to get him riled up. He says it helps him perform better and it shows they care. pic.twitter.com/5gxvDmaTMB
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 27, 2025
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura discussed Ayton’s “interesting personality” early in the season, so it makes sense that they would have a rather unique way of getting the best out of him.
It also speaks to a commonly held opinion about the big man, as his motivation has been questioned.
Will Ayton Be Able To Keep Up His Dominance?
When Ayton is at the top of his game, he’s truly a dominant force. Athletic, true seven-footers who can score outside of the paint and are defensive technicians don’t just grow on trees, after all. With Luka Doncic and LeBron James in the fold, there’s arguably not a lot of pressure on him this season. Yet, neither one of their perennial All-Stars is available right now.
In the Lakers’ quest to win a championship, they’ll likely need Ayton to keep playing at a high level in the immediate future and beyond. If that means lighting a fire under him every night, then that’s what it takes.
However, if they’re anything like Phoenix Suns face of the franchise Devin Booker, there could come a day when his teammates want him to come pre-heated.
