In an attempt to keep Deandre Ayton motivated on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly using some mind tricks.
After the Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 127-120 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on Sunday, Ayton spoke to media. As a motivational strategy, the former No. 1 overall choice disclosed that a number of his colleagues have developed the habit of “trolling” him off the court.
“They all have their own little things to get my head all mixed up,” Ayton said. “[Austin Reaves] is my guy. [Luka Doncic] is my guy. But my wings and my forwards? Yeah, they be trying to get me ticked off before these games just to get me rolling. I’m starting to see it as a trend because I don’t get a break until we’re on the court. Then it’s all seriousness.
“I’m like, ‘Oh, this is a thing y’all want to do. Y’all want to get me on edge. Y’all want me fired up.’ I like it. … Dudes really care.”
Ayton added that Doncic, Reaves, and even LeBron James also partake in teasing the Bahamian center from time to time, just to get a reaction out of him.
The pestering may continue based on the way Ayton played on Sunday night. The big man tallied 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for a Lakers unit that was without both Doncic and James. Reaves picked up the scoring load with 51 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.
After Ayton’s terrible season debut, the Lakers fans’ enthusiasm for him had subsided. Ayton’s double-double against the Kings might have earned back some of those admirers.
Ayton, a 7-foot center, was selected first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, surpassing players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic, because he has always had the skill and physique to dominate the league. However, he hasn’t been able to become a true franchise centerpiece because of his inconsistent play and off-court conduct.
Before tipoff, he might just need a little teasing from his teammates.
