DeAndre Ayton’s first preseason game with the Lakers may seem underwhelming, but he showed a commitment to defense, a commitment to the team, and a commitment to playing the right way. He did all this while playing what could’ve been a highly emotional game against the Suns.
A Different Kind of “Revenge Game”
Ayton’s first game in purple and gold couldn’t have been scripted better for headlines: a preseason opener against the Suns, the team that drafted him No. 1 overall and eventually traded him away. It wasn’t an amicable separation, to say the least. This matchup had “revenge game” written all over it. His former teammate, Devin Booker, even made some shady comments prior to the game to add fuel to the fire. Yet Ayton never made it about himself. There was no flex after a block, no hunting shots to prove a point.
His stat line looked underwhelming: 1 point, 0-for-2 shooting, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers in 18 minutes. That’s the kind of box score that’ll get the casuals tweeting “same old Ayton.” But if you actually watched the game, you saw a big man committed to defense first, not someone chasing highlights.
After the game, he explained his mindset:
“I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end, more than the offense … I’m not here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do.”
Deandre Ayton after recording two blocks but only two shot attempts in his Lakers preseason debut: “I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end, more than the offense … I’m not here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers really want me to do” pic.twitter.com/eLFx3BovPY
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 4, 2025
Backing Up His Words
Ayton’s offense was nearly invisible, partly because the Lakers rarely looked for him. The ball mostly swung around the perimeter while Luka Doncic and LeBron James watched in street clothes from the bench. That’s worth remembering: most of Ayton’s scoring historically comes from being set up—pick-and-roll dives, dump-offs, rim-running in transition. His low-usage night isn’t anything to panic about. His offense will come naturally once Luka’s pocket passes and LeBron’s drive-and-kick gravity are back in the lineup.
If there was disappointment on offense, Ayton made up for it with the things he could control. He crashed the glass, contested everything at the rim, and played with a defensive focus that’s been questioned in the past. The two blocks don’t capture how many shots he altered just by being in the right place. That’s exactly what he promised at media day. And after his first game on the court, he’s backing up his words with his actions.
Staying the Course
Ayton’s mindset was the real highlight. He knows this is likely his last shot at a big contract, and he’s playing team basketball instead of forcing numbers. He didn’t complain about touches, stayed upbeat postgame, and praised his teammates. He said all the right things in front of the cameras earlier this week—and now he’s proving it on the court.
So while the box score might feed the skeptics, there’s nothing to worry about. Ayton’s value to the Lakers will show up in the lanes he clears, the shots he changes, and the points he racks up once the stars return.
