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Deandre Ayton: 'I'm on a whole different mission'
TL;DR
Deandre Ayton delivered a strong performance in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets, scoring 18 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. He stated he is on a mission to change perceptions about himself and prove his value to the Lakers.
Key points
- Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in Game 5.
- He aims to change the narrative about himself as a player.
- Concerns about Ayton's past behavior influenced the Lakers' perception before signing him.
Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsPortland Trail Blazers
When the Los Angeles Lakers missed another opportunity to close out their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets in Game 5 on Wednesday, most of their players didn't play up to their standards. LeBron James missed all six of his 3-point attempts, Austin Reaves shot 4-of-16 from the field, Marcus Smart had six turnovers and Luke Kennard had just one point.
But Deandre Ayton, as he often has in this series, played at a high level. He went 9-of-14 from the field and scored 18 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, blocked two shots and played physical positional defense on Alperen Sengun. The center said after Game 5 that he's "on a whole different mission" to prove himself.
“This is the postseason and there’s really no slacking at all… I’m on a whole different mission as well. Not only winning games for the Lakers but just trying to change the whole narrative of who I am. I’m trying to put this display on that I love this game and that I am a two-way player.”
When the Lakers signed Ayton this past summer, many felt that he would let the team down. He had during the previous two seasons with the , and he also had a reputation for being soft and lacking consistency.
Q&A
What did Deandre Ayton say about his mission with the Lakers?
Deandre Ayton expressed that he is on a 'whole different mission' to change the narrative about himself and demonstrate his commitment to the game.
How did Deandre Ayton perform in Game 5 against the Rockets?
In Game 5, Deandre Ayton scored 18 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, and blocked two shots, showcasing his strong defensive skills.
What concerns did the Lakers have about Deandre Ayton before signing him?
Before signing Ayton, there were concerns about his self-centered behavior and reputation for inconsistency during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers.