Ayton sends strong message after impressing against Pelicans and Bucks

According to US sports media F/W analyst Gautam Warrier, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently on a two-game winning streak, thanks to several wonderful performances against the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks. While Doncic unsurprisingly grabbed the headlines, Deandre Ayton also had an impressive performance in these wins.

The Lakers' decision to sign Ayton to a two-year, $16.6 million free agent contract has been questioned by many, but he has proven that it is not a bad idea. The 27-year-old has mostly performed well for the team and posted a strong message via Instagram after the win over the Bucks: "Injury makes me wiser, pain becomes my strength."

Ayton has heard all kinds of rumors about him in recent years. His motivation was especially questioned during his late days with the Phoenix Suns and during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton said after signing with the Lakers that he wouldn't take the opportunity for granted. He knew some thought this was his last chance in the NBA and compared himself to a wounded animal. There were a few games where Ayton didn’t look good, which led to those concerns being raised again. So far, though, the good definitely outweighs the bad.

Ayton had 20 points, 2 steals and 1 block in Saturday's win over the Bucks. He completely outplayed Myles Turner, who had just 3 points (1-4 FG), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block on the night. Ayton has won that center matchup most of the time this season. The former No. 1 overall pick, while not the best player at his position, didn't have the disastrous performance that some expected. The night before the game against the Bucks, Ayton contributed 20 points (10 of 11 shooting), 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block to help the team beat the Pelicans 118-104. He had a huge impact in both games, and the Lakers really liked what they saw. Austin Reeves praises Ayton's performance against Pelicans. Reeves thought it was an extremely poor performance, adding that it was exactly what the team expected from him.

As for what made Ayton perform so well, that disastrous defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder also played a role. The big man said the 121-92 loss to the Thunder awakened the Lakers. Maybe just the kick he and his team needed. Thanks to these two overwhelming wins, the Lakers have improved their record to 10-4 Lost, fourth in the Western Conference. If you told someone before the season that they would hold this record without LeBron James playing a game, they would laugh in your face. It's a pretty impressive start. , James, who missed the start of the season due to sciatica, will return soon when the Lakers face the Utah Jazz at Staples tomorrow, we can see him make his season debut; and we can see the connection between James and Ayton, let's look forward to it