Deandre Ayton: I want to change people's perception of my defense

2025-10-15 08:06

With the 2026/25 NBA regular season approaching, players from major teams are actively preparing for the game. Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton said in an interview that he is also one of the pillars of the team and is looking to change the outside world's impression of his defense.

Deandre Ayton, 27, joined the Los Angeles Lakers in July this year. When he played for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024/25 NBA regular season, Deandre Ayton played 40 games, averaging 14.4 points per game, 56.6% shooting percentage and 18.8% three-point shooting percentage.

When talking about the outside world's doubts about himself, Deandre Ayton said, "I just want the world and the entire league to know that I am the center of the Los Angeles Lakers and the defensive pillar of this team."

"My goal now is to change people's impression of my defense, especially my rim protection. Coach Redick has always emphasized that he hopes the inside players can really become a barrier to protect the basket, and I am working hard to become an important part of it."

In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers' lineup has LeBron James and Luka Dončić who play important core roles, so Deandre Ayton may be more inclined to play a supporting role in offense.

Deandre Ayton said, "Trust those playmakers. If you take more than two shots in a game, that's the natural progression of the game. Redick trusts Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves as the primary ball handlers, and I'm the big man on the court."

"So I'm trying to adjust to that, and frankly, with these great core guys out there, it's probably going to be hard not to get the ball."