Ayton embraces his supporting role to fuel the Lakers' stars.
The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the New York Knicks 112-100 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden, and while the spotlight was on LeBron James and Luka Doncic, center DeAndre Ayton offered insight into how he approaches his responsibilities on this star-studded roster.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Ayton was asked about his role in the offense and what his teammates have told him about getting more involved.
His response showed a player who has fully bought into being a complementary piece rather than a featured option.
Ayton Trusts the Plan
"Just play my role hard and just set good screens and rolling to the rim," Ayton said. "You know, I don't really think about any of that. Trust my plan because in Bron, AR, and you know Luka, and I just feel like, you know, the pace of the game, we know they have so much firepower."
That firepower has been evident all season long, as the Lakers have leaned on their trio of Doncic, James, and Austin Reaves to carry the bulk of the scoring load.
For Ayton, that means focusing on the little things that help those stars thrive rather than looking for his own offense.
The loss dropped the Lakers to 29-19 on the season and snapped a stretch of solid play for the team.
The Knicks, now riding a six-game winning streak, improved to 31-18 behind 25 points from OG Anunoby and 23 from reserve Landry Shamet.
Doncic led all scorers with 30 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while James added 22 points in what could have been his final regular-season game at Madison Square Garden.
Recent Production and Finding Rhythm
Ayton has shown flashes of his early-season form in recent games.
Just two nights before the Knicks matchup, he delivered a strong performance against the Washington Wizards, finishing with 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting along with 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Head coach JJ Redick praised Ayton's activity level in that contest, noting how the team found him on early seals and in pick-and-roll situations.
On the season, the former first overall pick is averaging 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 66.2 percent from the field, which ranks among the league leaders.
His efficiency has been a welcome addition for Los Angeles, though his production has varied from game to game as he adjusts to his supporting role.
Fitting In With the Stars
Ayton's comments reflect a player who understands his place within the Lakers' hierarchy.
When you share the floor with Doncic and James, two of the most ball-dominant players in league history, the opportunities to showcase individual talent become limited.
Instead of fighting for touches, Ayton has embraced being the screener who opens up driving lanes and the roller who finishes what his teammates create.
That willingness to sacrifice has been a major reason why the Lakers' acquisition of Ayton this past offseason has worked out well so far.
After a rocky end to his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, he arrived in Los Angeles on a two-year, $16.6 million deal and has provided exactly what the team needed at the five spot.
The Lakers will look to bounce back as they continue their road trip with a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.
For Ayton, the formula remains is to set screens, roll to the rim, and trust that his star teammates will find him when the opportunity arises.
With All-Star Weekend fast approaching and the Lakers fighting for positioning in a loaded Western Conference, every player, including Ayton, knowing and accepting their role becomes crucial for a late-season run.