Lakers Players Use Bold Tactics to Inspire Deandre Ayton
After a standout performance against the Sacramento Kings, Deandre Ayton received high praise from Lakers head coach JJ Redick. Ayton recorded 22 points and 15 rebounds, marking one of the best displays of his career with the team. Despite this exceptional outing, he remains under a two-year contract worth $16.2 million, largely due to inconsistencies in his play.
Lakers’ Unique Tactics to Inspire Deandre Ayton
The Los Angeles Lakers have adopted unorthodox motivational strategies to enhance Ayton’s performance. Teammates often engage in playful teasing to keep him engaged. This approach taps into his personality, making him the focal point of lighthearted humor within the team. According to a report by Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times, this form of camaraderie is essential for Ayton’s motivation.
Playful Rivalry as a Motivation Tool
- Ayton has mentioned that he finds motivation in the teasing, as it reflects his teammates’ care for him.
- He has publicly acknowledged the team’s strategy, appreciating their efforts to keep him fired up during games.
“It’s a trend where I don’t get a break until we’re on the court,” Ayton said. He appreciates that his teammates are making an effort to understand what pushes him to perform better.
Key Moments Highlighting Ayton’s Potential
One play that resonated with both the team and fans was Ayton’s emphatic dunk in the fourth quarter against the Kings. After initially missing a jumper, he crashed the boards and executed a two-handed dunk over Domantas Sabonis. This moment was not only a display of skill but also a reflection of the energy the Lakers seek from Ayton.
- Jarred Vanderbilt, a forward for the Lakers, emphasized the importance of such plays.
- “We’ve been waiting on that,” Vanderbilt stated, highlighting the need for Ayton to consistently bring that energy to the court.
The ongoing efforts by the Lakers to inspire Deandre Ayton exemplify their commitment to developing his talent. By employing bold tactics, the team aims to harness Ayton’s full potential and drive his performance in future games.
