Deandre Ayton Claps Back at 'Old Team' Narrative With Hilarious Response

Deandre Ayton (Image Credits: Imagn)

Deandre Ayton Claps Back at 'Old Team' Narrative With Hilarious Response

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Afshan Khan | Last updated May 4, 2026 2:51 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have dominated the Houston Rockets in a thrilling first-round playoff series, clinching a 4-2 victory. Following the series, discussions have surged about the Lakers’ “Old Team” narrative. Deandre Ayton didn’t hold back in addressing this notion, especially after several Rockets players suggested they were the superior team due to their young core, implicitly labeling the Lakers as old.

After the Lakers secured their series win with a decisive 98-78 victory in Game 6, Ayton delivered a witty response to the “old team” narrative, making waves with his humorous response.

“I’m just glad we were prepared and we played super physical. We were up to tempo, which, I heard Houston try to call us old or whatever, but we was moving fast. We was moving them puppies, man,” Ayton said.

“I'm just glad we were prepared and we played super physical. We were up to tempo, which, I heard Houston try to call us old or whatever, but we was moving fast. We was moving them puppies, man” – Deandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/Wcx1Fttmi7
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 2, 2026

Ayton emerged as a defensive powerhouse for the Lakers in their first-round playoff series, stepping up in the absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Deandre Ayton Reacts to JJ Redick’s Game 6 Plan to Contain Alperen Sengun

In Game 6, with Kevin Durant on the sidelines for the Rockets, the Lakers turned their attention to Alperen Sengun. Ayton’s focused defense effectively shut down Sengun’s impact on the game. In a post-game interview, the 27-year-old center credited his successful strategy to an insightful conversation with head coach JJ Redick.

“JJ really challenged me about guarding Sengun one-on-one … We just wanted to go back on how we guarded them if KD were out there. Guard them straight up and I took the challenge to my chin. Just putting the team on my back and them trusting me.” Ayton said.

“JJ really challenged me about guarding Sengun one-on-one … We just wanted to go back on how we guarded them if KD were out there. Guard them straight up and I took the challenge to my chin. Just putting the team on my back and them trusting me” – Ayton on his defense pic.twitter.com/rlsGUhnl8W
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 2, 2026

After their successful first round, a bigger challenge awaits them. They will next face the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the conference semifinals. Game 1 of the series will tip off at 8:30 PM EDT on May 5th at the Paycom Center.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: