The Lakers’ most valuable offseason addition did not come through a contract or a roster move. It was not the return of Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, or Adou Thiero, nor the recall of Bronny James, Luka Doncic’s scouting input, or even the arrival of Deandre Ayton. Instead, the standout presence has been Andrea Ayton, Deandre’s mother, whose growing influence has quietly captured the attention of the LakeShow.

As most are focused on keeping holiday weight in check, Mama Ayton arrived at the Lakers facility carrying a buffet that reflected her rich Jamaican heritage. Deandre Ayton, born in the Bahamas with Jamaican roots on his mother’s side and Nigerian heritage through his father, has long embraced that culture. But why could such a gesture pose a problem for a team striving to maintain discipline and routine?

Because Mama Ayton could ruin the hard-earned shape with a single plate of fried chicken. In a perfect world, there would be no reason to complain. It is ‘heaven,’ as one of JJ Redick’s staffers described that golden-crusted drumstick of dreams. Yet fans (probably the ones jealous they’re not there) are pretending Andrea Ayton is a saboteur out to destroy the Lakers.

Luka Doncic and LeBron James held back from Deandre Ayton’s treat

Andrea Ayton went all out. She had oxtail, curry mutton, rice and peas, and of course, fried chicken. JJ Redick and his staff were enjoying it sit-down style. Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia took second. Deandre Ayton was strutting around flexing his mom’s food. And Luka Doncic was there.

Fans are so worried Doncic’s weight and conditioning efforts will be undone because of the Ayton fam. They were screaming into the social media void, “Someone get Luka away from the buffet line. DA’s mom was COOOOKINGGGG.”

Luka Doncic’s shift from Dallas to Los Angeles came with renewed focus on his conditioning. What was once labeled a weight concern has turned into progress. Guided by LeBron James, the league’s standard for preparation, Luka has reshaped his body, emerging reportedly close to 30 pounds lighter and better suited for the season’s demands.

Some jumped to the last stage of resignation instantly. “I guess Luka is fat again.” Worth noting, though, while Doncic was hyping Mama Ayton, he wasn’t spotted anywhere with a plate. And probably that dedication helped. The new Luka is on a 35.0 PPG while keeping the Lakers at 18-7, at .720, and keeping them at the third seed in the West. All while putting up numbers that could upset the popular MVP odds.

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Well, Luka doesn’t know what he’s missing out on. And so do the people who say, “Luka, stay away.” There’s even some jealousy showing when they say, “I mean it get Luka away from that table immediately.”

Funny enough, while Bronny is there shooting pool, LeBron is noticeably a no-show. LakeShow thinks, “LeBron said no thank you lol,” or this video was filmed when LeBron James was taken before his return to practice.

JJ Redick at least let his team enjoy this indulgence. His staff was grateful to Deandre and Andrea for giving the team this opportunity to come closer and bond. Some also applaud Deandre for building team chemistry, claiming, “Ayton has been a plus locker room guy for the Lakers. A type of dude we have not had in a long time.”

It’s a bit of an exaggeration. Fans are loving this wholesome update from the Lakers’ practice. And they love that Ayton is feeling at home after the kind of separation he had from Phoenix. They just hope Luka gets back to the weight room after indulging a bit.

In the meantime, what are we supposed to do to get a plate of Andrea Ayton’s famous fried chicken?