Key reason for Lakers' six-game winning streak! Ayton decides to change his style: focusing on defense and rebounding

On March 19 Beijing time, Ayton publicly acknowledged that he is not the primary offensive option for the Los Angeles Lakers and willingly embraced a team-first role.

The Athletic reporter Woike reported that Ayton decided to reduce his focus on scoring and instead concentrate on defense, rebounding, and high-intensity hustle. This shift has altered his playing style and contributed to the team's recent success.

“That's the truth, absolutely true. But I've let that go, completely set it aside. I told myself... regarding scoring, this team doesn't need me to do that. They need me to put all the energy I used on offense into defense,” Ayton said.

Ayton stated that he had to be honest with himself and accept a team-first mentality.

“I started telling myself in the mirror: ‘Bro, you're not that role. On this team, you don't need to do that at all,’” he explained. “You came to this team to be the guy who hustles, finishes defensively, grabs rebounds, runs hard in transition, wears down the opposing interior, and makes the opposing stars uncomfortable. Honestly, I'm really enjoying this process now.”

Early in the season, Ayton's performance was inconsistent. Although he occasionally delivered dominant performances, his impact often faded, and he had publicly questioned his role as a lob-catching center. Since embracing his new role, Ayton has become more efficient on both offense and defense. Over the past five games, he averaged 11.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of 67.5%.

Meanwhile, the entire Lakers team has surged: achieving a six-game winning streak, winning 9 of their last 10 games, improving their record to 43 wins and 25 losses.

Ayton's extremely brief remarks after victory over Timberwolves

When asked by reporters what kind of defense helped the Lakers defeat strong teams like the Knicks and Timberwolves, Ayton gave only a simple answer. “Communication was good,” he said at the post-game press conference.

When asked specifically where the communication was good, Ayton replied: “Just using the terminology correctly.”

Lakers head coach Redick praised Ayton's energy on both ends after the game. But when reporters again asked Ayton what he saw on the court, he remained concise: “I just play basketball.”

Ayton also thanked teammates Doncic and Reaves for their excellent passing: “Really gotta give them credit. They always find me in open spots and constantly attack the rim. The opponent has to choose, whether to give up corner threes or give up my high-percentage layups.”

Before the game, Lakers' two interior players Hayes and Kleber were both sidelined due to injuries, making Ayton the only pure center on the court. When asked if he felt additional responsibility, he said: “Absolutely. I'm the only interior player, I'll try to stay on the court as long as possible, especially in crucial moments.”

The press conference ended in a very interesting way. A reporter asked him if the team felt momentum building after consecutive wins over strong opponents. Ayton反问: “Momentum? What are you talking about?”

The reporter explained: the momentum brought by two big wins. Ayton stared at him for a few seconds and replied: “I don't know what you're talking about. I really... don't understand what you mean.”

Doncic and Redick praise Ayton

Despite his very modest post-game remarks, Ayton received high praise from Doncic and head coach Redick.

“He's really so important,” Doncic said about Ayton's performance. “I think he was very focused today. Like I said before, he was crucial for us today. We need to encourage him to keep playing like this. Playing this way helps us win.”

Redick also stated: “It's great that his teammates can see him performing so well on both offense and defense. Being able to deliver such a performance against top-tier teams in the league means even more for Ayton himself.”

“He has already helped us win many games this season. There have been ups and downs recently, but he was outstanding tonight. This helps his confidence and builds trust among everyone.”