About this episode

Deandre Ayton discusses his defensive readiness and the impact of Lakers culture ahead of Game 3.

Before the team headed out to Houston for Friday's Game 3, center Deandre Ayton met with the media and talked about his excitement not just at playing defense in this series, but playing incredibly versatile defense, not just against centers but one through five on switches. Ayton does move well in space, and obviously needs to prove his ability to follow through and do this at a high level, but more than anything, it reflects his investment in doing the right things for the Lakers, and trying to meet the moment and what the team needs from him, especially with Luka and Reaves sidelined. It frustrates some fans (and media like) that Ayton seems to need these sorts of affirmations, and that the team has had to do so much legwork to get him into a mindset like this, and then keep him there. It would be great if Ayton arrived with the proverbial Mamba Mentality, but that's not how he's wired. But over the course of the year, with some ups and downs, the Lakers have managed to get real buy in from Ayton, and it's translating to performance at the right moment. In a lot of ways, whether reflecting the team culture instilled by JJ Redick and Co., or individual support from guys like…

People in this episode

Hosts: Andy Kamenetzky, Brian Kamenetzky

Topics covered

• Deandre Ayton
• Lakers culture
• defensive strategy
• NBA playoffs
• team dynamics
• player mindset

Keywords

• Deandre Ayton
• Lakers
• defense
• NBA playoffs
• team culture
• Mamba Mentality
• JJ Redick
• Marcus Smart

More episodes of Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

• What Went Wrong in Game 4, and How the Lakers Can Improve in Game 5 · April 27, 2026 · 19 min
• LeBron Quiet, the Lakers Go Cold, Lose Big in Game 4, 115-96 · April 27, 2026 · 36 min
• COMEBACK! Lakers Score Improbable Game 3 Win in OT, Lead Series 3-0 · April 25, 2026 · 28 min
• Reaves Upgraded, Durant Downgraded for Game 3, Lakers Winning the Little Battles · April 24, 2026 · 36 min
• Are the Lakers Favorites Now vs. Rockets? Can LA's Role Players Step Up in Houston? · April 23, 2026 · 26 min
• Why Are the Lakers Controlling the Series Against Houston? Can the Rockets Come Back? · April 23, 2026 · 39 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers podcast page.