Lakers’ Teammates Unleash Unique Tactic Sparking Deandre Ayton’s Best Game
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.
Golden State Warriors Remain Second to Knicks in Superstar Trade Rumors
At 2-1 on the season, the Golden State Warriors have no reason to panic. In fact, they should be feeling pretty good about their chances. Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Jonathan Kuminga are playing well, and the Warriors look like a real threat.
However, it’s a long season, and injuries are unpredictable. The Warriors have been linked to some high-level trade targets, although one reigns supreme.
If the Warriors could add Giannis Antetokounmpo, even at the expense of Draymond Green, they would emerge as title frontrunners. Of course, the Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that they aren’t willing to deal him, and Giannis hasn’t demanded a trade.
If Antetokounmpo does ask out, the Warriors can offer a high-level package to the Bucks for him. However, the New York Knicks remain the frontrunner.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk after a game at Fiserv Forum on January 13, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo Prefers Knicks Over Warriors
A star-studded trio of Butler, Curry, and Antetokounmpo would be the best in the league, and the Greek Freak would surpass Kevin Durant as Curry’s best-ever teammate.
In fact, Giannis would be a better player than even Curry, thanks to his two-way talents.
On paper, the fit between Antetokounmpo and the Warriors seems perfect. However, there’s not always fire where there’s smoke. The Knicks remain Antetokounmpo’s preferred landing spot in a possible trade.
“Good relationship, friendly,” said Sam Amick of Curry and Antetokounmpo. “Steph has the same agency as Giannis, but that’s not the type of smoke you might have thought, as far as, you know, that being something that was kind of percolating in the background.
The Knicks would likely have to give up OG Anunoby in a deal, as well as other salary-balancers. For now, the Knicks seem content with their current roster. As the season slogs on, that could change.
Golden State Warriors Can Offer More for Giannis
If the Knicks want Giannis, that doesn’t mean they will get him.
Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season. Balancing the salaries would be hard enough, and finding the draft capital to land a player of his stature would be nearly impossible.
The Knicks can’t trade a single first-round pick without attaching various protections and swaps. On top of that, they lack high-value young players. The Warriors, on the other hand, boast six first-rounders that can be traded outright or swapped. Throw in Kuminga, Moses Moody, and/or Brandin Podziemski, and you have the basis for a reasonable trade.
It wouldn’t be the first time that the Warriors swung a surprise deal. Last season, Butler listed the Phoenix Suns as his preferred landing spot. The Warriors traded for him anyway, offered him an extension, and he has quickly changed his tune.
With Antetokounmpo, the Warriors could pull off a similar deal before the deadline, beating out the Knicks.
