Deandre Ayton Admits Lakers Took Hawks Lightly in Road Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers opened the season strong, but their momentum took a hit Saturday night as they were handled decisively by the Atlanta Hawks, falling 122-102 in the first game of a five-game road trip. The loss was the Lakers’ first away from Los Angeles this season and, while not alarming on its own, the way the defeat unfolded raised internal concern.

Despite missing several key players including Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta played with more intensity, physicality, and control from the opening tip. Their pace and aggression allowed them to build a comfortable lead that only grew in the second half.

Ayton: “We didn’t take them seriously”

Following the game, center Deandre Ayton acknowledged that the Lakers came in with the wrong approach.

“We probably didn’t take those guys seriously and didn’t keep them in check. It’s the NBA, everyone here can play. They surprised us with how they shot tonight,” Ayton told Spectrum SportsNet.

Ayton added that the scouting report didn’t reflect the intensity Atlanta brought on the court.

“The film didn’t show what we saw out there. It was one of those nights where you have to be locked in, and we weren’t. They killed us in transition and really defended well. JJ got on us for not being prepared.”

“This is the type of loss that makes the food taste bad”

Ayton compared the loss to a recent short-handed Lakers win over Portland, noting the difference in mentality.

“That’s why this one is tough to swallow. We knew what we were walking into, and we still didn’t compete. It looks bad on paper and on film. This is the type of game that makes the food taste bad at night.”

For Ayton, the biggest issue was defensive discipline and communication.

“We weren’t connected. Their speed got to us. They played hungry, kept moving the ball, got over 30 assists. They lived in our paint. We couldn’t stop it.”

Redick’s frustration shows: 82-second press conference

Head coach JJ Redick was visibly frustrated, delivering one of the shortest postgame sessions of the season.

His full presser lasted 82 seconds.

“I knew we were going to lose in the first two minutes,” Redick said bluntly.

The Lakers will look to reset as they continue the road trip Monday against the Charlotte Hornets. The team hopes the loss serves as an early-season reminder that focus cannot fluctuate, regardless of the opponent’s injury situation.