Deandre Ayton, center for the Los Angeles Lakers, made a significant impact on young participants at a basketball camp held at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) facility in New York City last week. The event, organized in collaboration with Ayton’s Ayton Family Foundation, welcomed approximately 50 children, many sponsored by the Jamaican and Bahamian Consulates, to engage in on-court activities and a dinner hosted by Ayton.
A Memorable Experience for Young Athletes
Upon arriving at the gym, Ayton was greeted by eager children lining the court, their faces lighting up with excitement. “It fills me, for real, just seeing their smiles,” Ayton expressed, noting the joy he felt interacting with the youth. He took the time to connect with each child, high-fiving and making eye contact as he walked down the line.
During the camp, Ayton demonstrated his basketball skills, even competing against a young participant who stood around 6’4″. “I got to keep these legs strong. In about ten years, they are going to be knocking me over,” he said, highlighting the impressive talent and enthusiasm of the youth.
Many of these children had the opportunity to watch Ayton play against the Brooklyn Nets on February 3, 2025, where he showcased his skills with seven points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Throughout the Lakers’ recent eight-game trip, Ayton demonstrated remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting 67.5% of his shots this season, ranking him second in the NBA.
Giving Back to the Community
Ayton’s commitment to giving back was evident as he chose to spend his time off during the Lakers’ four-day visit in New York to run the camp. “I ain’t going to lie. It’s just something that I wanted to do,” he stated. He explained that the timing felt right, emphasizing the cultural significance of being in New York City.
His efforts align with the NBPA’s mission, as Chris Jean, the NBPA’s associate vice president for Elite Youth & Basketball Activation, remarked, “It just highlights who he is as a player and as a person.” Ayton’s philanthropic work extends beyond this camp; he was recognized with the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for November 2025 for his contributions to hurricane relief in Jamaica and support for youth initiatives in Los Angeles.
Ayton attributes his community spirit to his mother, Andrea Ayton, who has always been a leader in charitable efforts in the Bahamas. “Mom started all that giving stuff, feeding the village,” he reflected. “Her love language was caring and feeding tummies, whether you’re hungry or not.” This philosophy of care and support has become a cornerstone of his own charitable pursuits.
Before the activities commenced, representatives from the Jamaican and Bahamian Consulates presented Ayton with a proclamation in recognition of his kindness and generosity. This moment added emotional weight to the day. “I said, ‘Yo, this is bigger than I thought,'” Ayton recalled, expressing gratitude for the recognition.
The camp not only provided a platform for Ayton to share his basketball knowledge but also served as a source of inspiration for the participants. “They are on you like white on rice, watching your every move,” he said, recalling his own experiences of being inspired by athletes during his youth. Ayton hopes that by sharing his journey, he can motivate these young athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of their backgrounds.
In conclusion, Deandre Ayton’s involvement at the basketball camp exemplifies the positive influence athletes can have on their communities. His dedication to supporting youth development and fostering a love for the game of basketball underscores the importance of mentorship and community engagement in sports.
