How did Rui Hachimura help Deandre Ayton in the Lakers' win?

Rui Hachimura noticed Deandre Ayton's increased focus and aggression in the second half of the Lakers' win over the Timberwolves, and he made sure to tap into that to get Ayton fired up.

What was Deandre Ayton's performance in the Lakers' win?

Ayton finished the game with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot, shooting 7-of-11 from the field. He had a strong second-half showing after a relatively quiet first half.

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Hachimura Ignites Ayton's Dominance in Lakers' Win Over Timberwolves

Q: How will Deandre Ayton's increased role impact the Lakers with Luka Doncic and LeBron James sidelined?

With the Lakers' top scorers currently out, this stretch of games presents an opportunity for Ayton to be more assertive on the offensive end. The former No. 1 overall pick has consistently put up borderline All-Star numbers throughout his career, and the Lakers will be counting on him to step up in the absence of their star players.

27 Oct

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Summary

Rui Hachimura hyped up Deandre Ayton during Lakers' win over Timberwolves
Ayton had a strong second half, finishing with 15 points, 8 rebounds
Lakers' top scorers Doncic and LeBron currently sidelined, opening opportunity for Ayton

Hachimura Ignites Ayton's Dominance in Lakers' Win Over Timberwolves

In the Los Angeles Lakers' 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 25th, 2025, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura played a crucial role in igniting Deandre Ayton's performance. Ayton, who had a relatively quiet first half, came out of the break with renewed focus and aggression, which Hachimura quickly noticed.

"Especially in the second half...the first half he didn't really play that well. After the first half coming out into the third quarter, I saw in his eyes that he was locked in. So I was like, 'come on DA, let's go,'" Hachimura recounted. Ayton responded with a strong second-half showing, finishing the game with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot.

With the Lakers' top scorers, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, currently sidelined, this stretch of games presents an opportunity for Ayton to assert himself more on the offensive end. The former No. 1 overall pick has consistently put up borderline All-Star numbers throughout his career, and the Lakers will be counting on him to step up in the absence of their star players.

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