Starting center DeAndre Ayton made a strange comment calling himself the “secret weapon” of the Los Angeles Lakers this postseason. Ayton was discussing his defensive contributions and his goals of using that to help the Lakers contend for an NBA Championship. However, it came off more strange than anything due to Ayton’s inconsistent play throughout the season.
Ayton shared the following insight about defending all positions as the secret weapon:
“I love (stepping up defensively). I couldn’t wait to show that. I’m about to show the world I can guard 1 through 5. I thought it was gonna be a secret weapon, but I’ve been practicing and having multiple reps guarding the best players in the league on isolations. And the confidence is way up there. And I have extreme help, guys I built chemistry off the court with got my back. So yeah, I love switching.”
The quote stems from Ayton helping the Lakers’ defensive mindset of double-teaming Kevin Durant to make life harder for the Houston Rockets. Durant is the only Rockets player easily able to get his own shot, and the Lakers have put taller defenders on him via double team methods. Ayton was ecstatic about his role in helping the Lakers gain a 2-0 lead.
DeAndre Ayton Using Opportunity to Repair Reputation
Ayton joined the Lakers with a terrible reputation after failing to live up to the hype of being the number one draft pick. The Phoenix Suns gave up on Ayton after accepting their horrible mistake of drafting him over Luka Doncic with the top selection.
Another failed tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers showed Ayton failing to prove he deserves a starting center spot in the league. The Lakers signed Ayton due to his lower value making him a cheap option to give them a new name at their most flawed position.
Ayton has done a solid job in the second half of the season and during his time on the court this postseason so far. The player option in his contract could see Ayton opting out and looking for a longer extension worth more than his current $8 million per season if he has a good playoff run.
Ayton’s confidence is notable. He is not afraid to speak his mind. He believes he can guard anyone on the court. That belief is essential for a player trying to rebuild his value.
The Defensive Strategy: Why Ayton Matters
The Lakers’ defensive game plan against the Rockets has been simple: double-team Kevin Durant and force the other players to beat them. That strategy has worked. Durant had nine turnovers in Game 2, a playoff career worst.
Ayton’s role in that game plan is to be the second line of defense. When the Lakers trap Durant, Ayton must rotate to cover the roll man. He must protect the rim. He must communicate.
He has done all of that well.
The Offensive Role: Limited but Effective
Ayton is not a focal point of the Lakers’ offense. He is not asked to create his own shot. He is not asked to post up.
He is asked to set screens, roll to the rim, and clean the glass. He is asked to be a lob threat. He is asked to be efficient.
He has been. In Game 2, Ayton played only 12 minutes but grabbed 4 rebounds and blocked a shot. He was not needed to score, but he contributed in other ways.
The Playing Time Battle: Hayes vs. Ayton
Jaxson Hayes has been the Lakers’ best center in the playoffs. He has energy, athleticism, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He has earned extended minutes.
In Game 2, Hayes played 30 minutes. Ayton played 12. The disparity is notable.
But Lakers coach JJ Redick made a point to praise Ayton after the game. He said that Ayton played well, even if the minutes were not there. He emphasized that the rotation is based on matchups, not performance.
That is important for Ayton’s confidence. He is not being benched for poor play. He is being managed for matchup purposes.
The Contract Situation: A Player Option Looming
Ayton has a player option for next season at $8 million. That is not a lot of money by NBA standards. If Ayton continues to play well in the playoffs, he could opt out and seek a longer-term deal.
The Lakers have his Bird rights. They can pay him more than any other team. Whether they want to remains to be seen.
Ayton has rebuilt his reputation this season. He has been a professional. He has accepted a reduced role. He has done the dirty work.
That is valuable. And it could earn him a multi-year contract.
The Verdict: Confidence Is Key
DeAndre Ayton has not been a star this season. He has not lived up to the expectations of a No. 1 overall pick. He has not been the player the Suns and Trail Blazers hoped for.
But he has been solid. He has been a professional. He has been a contributor on a playoff team.
Calling himself the “secret weapon” might be a stretch. But confidence is not a bad thing. Ayton believes in himself. He believes he can guard anyone. He believes he can help the Lakers win.
That belief is important. And so far, it has been justified.
The Lakers lead the series 2-0. They are one win away from the second round. And DeAndre Ayton, the so-called secret weapon, is doing his part.
Whether he remains a secret or becomes a star remains to be seen. But for now, he is exactly what the Lakers need: a big man who can defend, rebound, and stay out of the way on offense.
That is not flashy. But it is effective.
And in the playoffs, effective is all that matters.