Lakers’ Deandre Ayton opens up on what’s really fueling him vs. Thunder

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was instrumental in their inspired performance against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Ayton embraced his role and provided steadiness on both ends as they eliminated the Rockets.

The Lakers are facing a daunting task against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, and Ayton will be relied upon anew to add more firepower.

Los Angeles coach JJ Redick acknowledged that Ayton is their X-factor. Ayton’s issue has always been consistency, but he said “everything has been pretty solid,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times’ Roderick Broner.

The former No. 1 pick also revealed what drives him ahead of their best-of-seven clash with the defending champions.

“This is the playoffs, so everybody can do more, everybody has another level. This is the second round coming in, so I think we all deserve that little bit of increase in confidence from what we’ve done so far and the outcome from the adversity we’ve faced,” said Ayton.

“I feel like that’s where we are right now, and I think that’s what’s motivating me, as well, coming into these games. Just seeing, listening, and being dialed in and seeing the results of it.”

The 27-year-old center, who was highly coveted by the Lakers in the offseason, averaged a double-double of 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds on top of 1.0 blocks against the Rockets. He put up 14.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in their last three games.

But things won’t get any easier against the Thunder, as he will be matched up with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. OKC is also adept at finding mismatches, and Ayton could be targeted.

But as long as he is dialed in, as he said, the Lakers will always have a chance.

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