Deandre Ayton Shines in Lakers’ Victory Over Timberwolves

Los Angeles, CA – Deandre Ayton is making a strong impression in his early days with the Los Angeles Lakers. In a decisive game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 26, 2025, Ayton showcased his ability to fit seamlessly into the team’s star-studded lineup, alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić.

Ayton, as the starting center, holds a critical role for the Lakers, balancing scoring, rim protection, and playmaking. In this game, he delivered a solid performance with 15 points, eight rebounds, and one block, but it was his contributions beyond the statistics that earned him accolades.

“[Ayton] was great,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after the game. “His patience for the game was really good. You look up, he’s got three shots, but he let the offense come to him throughout the second half.”

In the game’s first half, Ayton focused on setting screens for Dončić, helping the star guard find his rhythm early. His commitment to screening without immediate reward set the tone for the Lakers’ offensive strategy.

As the game progressed, the offense found its way back to him. A well-placed lob from Dončić allowed Ayton to score effectively in the paint, demonstrating his skill as a traditional post player. His ability to draw defenders like Rudy Gobert away from the basket opened up options for his teammates, contributing to the Lakers’ successful attack.

The Lakers signed Ayton this summer for his inside presence, a vital element missing from last season’s lineup. If he can continue focusing on the little things, like setting hard screens and protecting the rim, he has the potential for a standout year in Los Angeles.

This performance against the Timberwolves serves as a model for how Ayton can contribute moving forward, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can replicate this success in future games.