The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off one of their most surprising wins of the season, defeating the Sacramento Kings 127–120 at Golden 1 Center. Missing both LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers leaned on Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton to deliver, and both answered in a big way.
Reaves exploded for a career-high 51 points, becoming just the fourth undrafted player in NBA history to score 50 in a game, per the NBA. He added 11 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in 39 minutes, finishing one assist shy of a triple-double. As the final buzzer sounded, Reaves’ teammates mobbed him in celebration after one of the most memorable performances of his young career.
But behind Reaves’ big night, another Laker found his rhythm in a very unexpected way.
Ayton Responds to Unusual Motivation
Deandre Ayton turned in his best game as a Laker, posting 22 points on 10-for-17 shooting, 15 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, FadeAwayWorld reports. After the game, Ayton revealed that his teammates had developed a unique way to get him fired up before tipoff.
“They all have their own little thing to get my head all mixed up,” Ayton told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Austin Reaves is my guy. Luka is my guy, but my wings and my forwards? Yeah, they be trying to get me ticked off before these games just to get me rolling.
“And I’m starting to see it’s a trend because I don’t get a break until we on the court,” Ayton continued. “Then it’s all seriousness. I’m like, ‘Oh, this is a thing y’all want to do. Y’all want to get me on edge. Y’all want me fired up.’ I like it… I haven’t had that in a while, where dudes really cared.”
Ayton said the approach has helped him stay focused and aggressive on the floor. “Walking in here, they gave me open arms,” he added. “To see head honchos like LeBron, AR, Luka just have me, not leave me out. They always messing with me and just talking to me, and talking basketball. Not even gotta be always basketball, it’s just trolling. They love my reactions over there. I be caught off guard with some of them. But I love it, trust me. It’s just making me play harder when it counts now.”
Lakers Find Energy Without Stars
The Lakers needed Ayton’s production badly with their two leaders sidelined, and he delivered. His presence on the glass and willingness to battle inside gave Los Angeles a much-needed boost.
Critics have often said Ayton can be too perimeter-oriented, settling for jump shots instead of using his size to dominate inside. On Sunday, he showed the kind of paint presence the Lakers have been hoping for with his rebounding, defending, and scoring with purpose.
Meanwhile, Reaves carried the offensive load with one of the best performances of his career. “This is a small-town kid from Arkansas who went undrafted, who last year averaged 20 ball in the NBA, and just had a 50 ball,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after the win. “These moments are incredible for him. I think his teammates see that; as a coaching staff, we see that. He just lives in the moment and he’s ready for every single moment that comes.”
With Ayton embracing his teammates’ unorthodox motivational tactics and Reaves proving once again that he belongs among the league’s elite young guards, the short-handed Lakers found new ways to win. If this chemistry continues, Los Angeles may turn these improvisational moments into the foundation for something special.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers’ Teammates Unleash Unique Tactic Sparking Deandre Ayton’s Best Game appeared first on Heavy Sports.