Deandre Ayton’s mom Andrea makes heartfelt holiday gesture as she cooks holiday meal for Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers locker room felt different this week. Laughter filled the space. Plates stacked quickly. Conversations drifted away from rotations and scouting reports.

At the center of it all, it was a heartfelt gesture that reminded everyone why culture matters as much as talent. Lakers center Deandre Ayton’s mom, Andrea Ayton, turned a routine team day into something unforgettable by preparing a full holiday-style meal for players and staff.The moment arrived during a stretch of the season when fatigue builds and pressure rises. For a roster navigating an 82-game grind, the timing felt intentional.

It was about warmth, shared food, and a sense of belonging.

Deandre Ayton Lakers bond strengthened through Andrea Ayton’s holiday meal

A video shared by the Lakers captured the emotion in real time. Teammates hovered near the spread, clearly impressed. A handwritten note sat atop the meals reading, “Festival from the kitchen of Andrea Ayton, her family and friends.” The menu carried personal roots and bold flavors.Andrea explained the effort herself, saying, “We’re cooking for the Lakers today.

I’m excited, I’m overwhelmed. Jamaica cuisine is the best. We have oxtail, curry mutton, rice and peas and fried chicken. We have some jerk chicken.”

The reactions said everything. Rui Hachimura smiled and declared, “This is the best fried chicken.” Head coach JJ Redick could barely contain himself, exclaiming, “Oh my god.” Assistant coach Lindsey Harding took in the atmosphere and shared, “I can describe the smell in this room, heaven.”Players went back for more. Forward Jake LaRavia said, “The food was fantastic. As you can see, I have my second plate here.” Adou Thiero added, “I appreciate, you know, DA, his family for, you know, doing this for us.” Even with LeBron James absent, Bronny James was present, keeping the family feel intact.Harding later reflected on the bigger picture, saying, “It’s though to play 82 games, ups and downs, everything, made shots, miss shots, but when you stay together, that’s where success is.

And events like this, having team meals together, it’s huge because you sit down and talk about everything else other than basketball. That’s what makes us really close.”

Deandre Ayton Lakers impact grows with historic on-court efficiency

While the off-court moment drew hearts, Ayton continues to deliver where it counts most. In a recent 116-114 win over the Phoenix Suns, he posted 20 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 10-of-11 from the field. According to Real Sports, that performance moved him into second place in Lakers history for games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 90% from the field, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain.Ayton has now achieved the feat twice this season. Averaging 15.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block per game, he has quickly become a pillar for a Lakers team sitting fourth in the Western Conference at 18-7.Also Read: LeBron James explodes in furious Lakers meltdown after grabbing referee during heated clash with NBA rival