The Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 118-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs unfolded amid a championship celebration, with the newly-crowned World Series champion Dodgers receiving a roaring ovation at Crypto.com Arena. That moment of glory initially rattled one Lakers star before becoming fuel for a resilient team performance.

Deandre Ayton openly admitted that the Dodgers’ triumphant entrance affected him more than he anticipated. “I ain’t going to lie, seeing the Dodgers, the champions walk in here, they put a little pressure on me,” Ayton confessed after the game. The center noted he had been watching the baseball team all season through television, but seeing them in person with the championship trophy created a different level of intensity.

The Lakers center credited head coach JJ Redick’s consistent message for helping him and the team overcome early nerves. “I’ll give my hats off to JJ,” Ayton stated. “JJ and the staff just been pushing us regardless who’s out there. They’ve been doing it since I got here.” He emphasized how Redick’s championship-focused approach has become contagious throughout the entire roster.

Ayton detailed how Redick’s philosophy has been implemented since training camp. “From training camp, from the months I’ve been in the summer in the gym, he’s been the same guy,” Ayton explained. The big man noted that Redick drills “championship mentality, championship shape, championship communication” into the team daily, creating a standard that remains consistent regardless of which players are available.

The Lakers secured their fifth straight victory despite missing both LeBron James and Austin Reaves. Ayton contributed significantly with 22 points and 10 rebounds, his third double-double of the season. Luka Doncic led the comeback effort with 35 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds as the Lakers overcame a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit.

The game featured a dramatic finish that saw Spurs star Victor Wembanyama foul out with 1:39 remaining. The Lakers closed the contest on a 21-10 run, with Ayton’s interior presence proving crucial in limiting Wembanyama to 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting throughout the evening.

Championship Atmosphere Fuels Performance

The Dodgers’ celebration created an electric environment that Ayton said ultimately motivated the team. Players including Mookie Betts, Will Smith, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow brought the Commissioner’s Trophy to center court during the first quarter, receiving a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd. The Dodgers had secured their second consecutive World Series title just days earlier against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ayton acknowledged that the crowd’s energy following the Dodgers’ recognition contributed to the game’s intensity. “The crowd was into it,” he noted. “So, you know, it’s definitely something to put on for the fans and, you know, leave them home happy.” The Lakers improved to 7-2 with the victory, matching their best start in recent seasons.

The team’s depth continues to impress, with players like Rui Hachimura adding 15 points and Marcus Smart contributing 17 points. Ayton emphasized that Redick’s system allows players to step into larger roles seamlessly, noting that when teammates return from absence, “it’s like they never left.”