The Los Angeles Lakers dominated the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, and Deandre Ayton once again used it as a chance to prove he wasn’t bluffing about buying into his role.

He has made his desire clear. Ayton wants to anchor the defense and help the team win. So far, it has been mission accomplished.

Ayton had a 22-point double-double against the Pelicans, where he blocked four shots. The seven-footer made seven of his nine field goals and hit all eight of his free throws in the dominant victory. New Orleans was down multiple starters, but the Lakers took care of business.

The only drawback was Ayton hobbling in the fourth quarter. He banged knees with rookie Derik Queen. No word yet on the severity of the injury, but the Lakers cannot afford for it to be serious.

Los Angeles needs the big man. There was plenty of worry after he missed one game with an injury, but Ayton quickly returned. Fans were worried coming into the season that he would try to be DominAyton, but the big man is clearly buying into his role and helping LA win.

Deandre Ayton was not bluffing about accepting his role with the Lakers

Ayton started the season dunking on his critics and has not stopped. He is shooting north of 70 percent from the field for the first time in his career and averaging more blocks per game than he has since 2021. Ayton is not hunting problematic shots.

He is finishing easy looks at the rim and anchoring the Lakers’ defense.

Los Angeles has won seven straight and 15 of their first 19 to start the season. They look like a serious title threat with a big man making a gigantic impact in the middle.

Ayton’s rebounding, rim protection, and work as a roll man were all things the Lakers desperately needed after the Luka Doncic trade. He has been the perfect fit and a massive reason why LA is second in the Western Conference as the quarter pole of the regular season approaches.

Fans forget Ayton was the starting center on three straight playoff teams in Phoenix and played a crucial role in the Suns reaching the NBA Finals in 2021. He was eager to be back on a winning team.

Ayton knew that meant taking a backseat to Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James. He is more than happy to do it. Ayton knows he can be the Lakers’ missing piece. He is eager to fill that role and make Los Angeles elite.

The Los Angeles Lakers were lucky that Deandre Ayton was bought out by the Blazers. He proved again on Sunday night why the franchise needs him. LeBron has wanted a starting center for years. It took Luka coming to town for the Lakers to listen.

Many questioned Ayton, but the big man is emphatically answering those critics. He is happy to play his role and help them win. Lakers fans are loving it too.