Lakers Announce Deandre Ayton Update on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 11:52 AM ET

After a much-anticipated offseason addition, center Deandre Ayton has been a key piece of the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt in the 2025-26 season. Ayton signed with the Lakers as a free agent on July 2, 2025, agreeing to a two-year, $16.6 million contract that includes a player option for 2026-27, giving Los Angeles the size and rim presence it lacked last season.

In his first season with the Lakers, Ayton has blended effectively alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, providing scoring, rebounding and interior defense while staying relatively healthy.

Through 23 games, he is averaging 15.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while ranking second in the league in field-goal percentage at 71.0 percent. Ayton’s impact has also helped power the Lakers to an 18-7 record, the third-best in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5)© David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Off the court, Ayton has also been earning recognition for his community work, particularly in giving back and supporting youth.

On Wednesday, the league announced that Ayton is the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for November.

“Deandre Ayton of the Lakers is the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for November,” the league announced. “Ayton is being recognized for leading hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica and supporting underrepresented youth in Los Angeles.”

The team surprised Deandre with his NBA Community Assist award for his efforts in Jamaica supporting hurricane relief pic.twitter.com/8uYjR73PwG
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 17, 2025

The Lakers also shared a video capturing the moment Ayton’s teammates surprised him with the award. Hailing from Nassau, Bahamas, Ayton has been deeply involved in relief efforts in the Caribbean, including organizing support in response to hurricanes that impacted Jamaica, while also engaging with community initiatives aimed at empowering underrepresented youth in the Los Angeles area.

As the season progresses, Ayton and the Lakers will look to keep their momentum going when they visit the Utah Jazz on Thursday, seeking a second straight win.

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

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