How Deandre Ayton feels about the start of the NBA Cup

In front Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Deandre Ayton he says he’s looking forward to it NBA Cupincreased level of competition. The timing is perfect, like Ayton’s performances stood out this week where the Lakers went 3-1 after losing their season opener to the Golden State Warriors.

After the Lakers’ impressive 116-115 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves without All-Stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Ayton says the timing is perfect heading into the regular season game where the stakes are higher it’s business as usual, he said, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“Yesterday, I think, I found out it was a tournament game, I started seeing tournament basketball and things like that,” Ayton said. “I’m excited. We know it’s games like this when you step up. I’m just happy that we played the way we did, where we got our physicality up and the defense where the coaches want it. Now we have extreme confidence.”

“I’m excited. We know games like this are when we step it up.” The Lakers’ Deandre Ayton begins their NBA playoff schedule tonight in Memphis. pic.twitter.com/6Ip9dlGddv

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 31, 2025

Ayton finished with a double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) in the Lakers’ win against the Timberwolves. After career highs of 51 and 41 points, Austin Reaves settled for 28 points and the game-winning shot against the Timberwolves as Reaves’ impressive start to the regular season continues. He is averaging 34.2 points on 52.6% shooting, including 38.5% from deep, 10.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in five games.

Reaves’ historic production ranks him among the NBA’s greats as the Lakers will look to carry some momentum into their matchup against the Grizzlies.

Deandre Ayton admits “trolls” unlocked his best game for the Lakers

Lakers center Deandre Ayton admits that harsh criticism from fans made him question how his effort motivated him to an impressive run, including 22 points and 15 rebounds in a 127-120 victory over the Kings. Ayton says that added a new wrinkle to the chip on his shoulder, as noted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“They try to cut me off before these games, just to get me to play,” Ayton said. “This is the thing that you all want to do. You all want to put me on edge. You all want to fire me up. I love it. … They’re always messing with me, just talking to me. … It’s just trolling. They love my reactions out there. I’m taken aback by some of them. But I love it, man, I’m just trusted. Now it’s hard for me.”

The Lakers face the Grizzlies on the road on Friday.