Community Engagement at the NBPA Facility
Last week, a group of excited kids gathered at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) facility, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their special guest, Lakers center Deandre Ayton. With cheerful grins and outstretched hands, these young basketball enthusiasts were ready for an engaging clinic organized by Ayton’s Ayton Family Foundation in collaboration with the NBPA, which also saw support from the Jamaican and Bahamian Consulates. Approximately 50 children attended, taking part in both on-court activities and enjoying a meal courtesy of Ayton and his family.
Ayton’s Impact on Young Athletes
Seeing the children’s joyful expressions filled Ayton with emotion.
“It really fills me up to see their smiles,”
he remarked. During the event, Ayton actively participated, even joking about a 6-foot-4 participant who was eager to challenge him.
“I need to keep these legs strong; in ten years, these kids are going to be the ones knocking me over!”
he laughed. His enthusiasm for the game and the children’s eagerness to learn left a significant impression on him.
Performance and Recognition
Some of these young admirers later witnessed Ayton’s performance in person as the Lakers faced off against the Brooklyn Nets on February 3, where he showcased his skills, scoring seven points and collecting eight rebounds. Ayton’s recent performance has established him as a standout player; in a recent eight-game road trip, he achieved remarkable shooting stats, including a perfect six-for-six against the New York Knicks and mammoth twelve-for-fourteen against the Washington Wizards, thus maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 67.5% this season.
Giving Back to the Community
Reflecting on his time spent at the camp, Ayton expressed the importance of giving back to the community.
“Just having players like me come to these camps is invaluable for the kids. The energy they bring, just from a simple high-five, can be really powerful,”
he shared. He reminisced about his own childhood in the Bahamas, where visits from accomplished athletes inspired him to pursue basketball.
“It’s crucial for me to show these kids that they too can achieve their dreams, regardless of where they start in life.”
Prioritizing Community Engagement
Despite having two days of downtime in New York City during the Lakers’ four-day visit, Ayton prioritized the clinic, knowing that many of the participating children might not have the means to attend such events ordinarily.
“There’s no specific reason for my decision to do this, other than feeling it was the right time and place to give back, especially with the Caribbean culture interconnected here,”
he explained.
Recognition and Awards
Chris Jean, the NBPA’s associate vice president for Elite Youth & Basketball Activation, praised Ayton’s commitment to community service, calling it a testament to his character.
“His contributions to Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Los Angeles create a ripple effect of positivity,”
Jean remarked.
Ayton’s philanthropic endeavors have recently been recognized, as he received the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for November 2025 for his efforts in providing hurricane relief in Jamaica and supporting local youth in Los Angeles.
A Cherished Moment
A significant moment during the camp occurred when representatives from the Jamaican and Bahamian Consulates presented Ayton with a proclamation acknowledging his generous contributions. The honor deeply moved him, saying,
“When I met the consulate executives, I realized this was more than just a camp; it was something bigger. Their gratitude overwhelmed me, and it was a moment I will always cherish.”
Conclusion
This meaningful day not only highlighted Ayton’s dedication to community service but also reinforced the powerful influence a professional athlete can have in a young person’s life, fostering hopes and aspirations that can last a lifetime.
