Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton described his first season with the team as a “humbling experience” in comments made on May 18. The former top overall pick said he had to make significant adjustments to his game and mindset after joining the Lakers.
Ayton’s remarks highlight the challenges players can face when adapting to new roles on established teams. For much of the season, Ayton was asked to focus less on scoring and more on rebounding and rim protection, a shift from his previous approach.
“A lot of sacrifices,” Ayton said when asked how his season went. “I came in with a different mindset and I had to adjust. It was a very humbling experience as well, so I’m just really glad I got to show that and my style of play, just being coachable and doing what’s best for the team.”
Ayton acknowledged initial frustration over being asked to play a less prominent offensive role but ultimately accepted it for the team’s benefit. “I came in here with a scorer’s mentality and we don’t really need that,” he said. “We have the best players on the team and the best playmakers. I tiny bit had to break down my game where it’s just rebounding and defending the rim is what the team wanted. It’s not what I want, but it’s what the team wanted to do to progress to wins.”
Reflecting further, Ayton expressed pride in how he handled criticism and adapted throughout the year: “Just how I accepted everything and adapted,” he said when asked about his growth this season. “I feel like I grew in some areas where I never thought I was gonna really grow up… Just accepting the challenge and … being that guy the team wants me to be, no matter what it is.” He added: “I’m really happy I have it at 27 to sit down and be coachable.”
Looking ahead, Ayton holds a player option for $8.1 million next season, leaving questions about whether he will return or seek another contract elsewhere.
