Lakers center Deandre Ayton shoots over the Timberwolves’ defense on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
(Ethan Swope / Associated Press)
With 33 missed shots between both teams in the first quarter, Deandre Ayton certainly had plenty of opportunities for rebounds, and the 7-foot center made the most of them.
Ayton almost single-handedly kept the Lakers in contention in the first half, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the second quarter and had a first-half double-double with 11 rebounds.
Ayton, who was scoreless in the first quarter but had six rebounds, scored three of his first four baskets off offensive rebounds. The only exception came when Reaves drove in the lane, wrapped a pass around his back as he found Ayton cutting down the lane for a vicious two-handed dunk. The crowd roared.
“He was a monster,” said Reaves, who had 31 points and eight assists. “… He was the only person scoring for us efficiently and then just being high energy on the other end, just doing what he does. That’s what we need him to do. When he does that, we’re a different team and we’re thankful to have him.”
Ayton’s effort has waned throughout the season, sometimes resulting in him getting benched late in games. But he provided major lifts in marquee wins against the Knicks (six points, eight rebounds) and Timberwolves to earn the confidence and trust of his teammates.
The Lakers needed Ayton at his best after backup centers Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) and Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) were ruled out of the game about 15 minutes before tip-off. Hayes was starring in his reserve role in recent weeks, bringing much-needed energy off the bench and a seamless connection with Doncic, but hearing that Ayton would have to hold down the front line by himself gave the former No. 1 draft pick extra motivation.
“I know I’m the only big,” Ayton said, “so I try my best to stay out there as long as possible, especially down the stretch.”
A chart shows 2025 annual revenue and operating profit for major South Korean game companies, highlighting strong performances by Nexon and Krafton and losses at Kakao Games and Pearl Abyss. Graphic by Asia Today and translated by UPI
Feb. 12 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s major game developers reported sharply mixed 2025 results, with companies backed by strong intellectual property and hit new titles posting record earnings while others struggled amid delays in releases.
Nexon said annual revenue rose 6% to 475.1 billion yen (about 4.51 trillion won, or roughly $3.13 billion), marking a record high. Operating profit reached 124 billion yen (about 1.18 trillion won, or $819 million).
The company attributed growth to the success of new title “Arc Raiders,” which has sold more than 14 million copies, and global expansion of the MapleStory franchise. Franchise revenue for MapleStory rose 43%, while Dungeon & Fighter posted double-digit growth in South Korea and China.
Krafton joined the so-called “3 trillion won club,” reporting annual revenue of 3.33 trillion won (about $2.31 billion) and operating profit of 1.05 trillion won (about $729 million), both record highs. Revenue from the PUBG: Battlegrounds IP increased 16% from a year earlier, supported by global collaborations and new game modes.
Netmarble posted revenue of 2.84 trillion won (about $1.97 billion) and operating profit of 352.5 billion won (about $244 million), helped by new titles based on in-house IP such as Seven Knights Reverse and RF Online Next.
NCSoft saw revenue fall 5% to 1.51 trillion won (about $1.05 billion) but returned to profitability with operating profit of 16.1 billion won (about $11 million), aided by cost-cutting and the November launch of Aion 2.
In contrast, Kakao Games reported a 26% drop in revenue to 465 billion won (about $322 million) and an operating loss of 39.6 billion won (about $27 million), citing a gap in new releases and restructuring costs.
Pearl Abyss posted revenue of 365.6 billion won (about $253 million) and an operating loss of 14.8 billion won (about $10 million), extending losses for a third consecutive year. The company said its upcoming title Red Desert, scheduled for release in March, will be key to a turnaround.
Industry analysts said the results underscore the importance of long-running hit franchises and well-timed new launches.
“Companies that steadily operated successful IP while expanding revenue through updates and collaborations were able to limit volatility,” one industry official said. “Those with prolonged gaps in new releases inevitably faced short-term revenue declines.”
As the high school boys’ basketball playoffs begin this week, these are the players who have reached or exceeded expectations to be at the top of their game during the regular season.
Let’s offer a salute for rising up:
Jason Crowe Jr., Inglewood: In each of his four seasons, Crowe has gotten better. Already the state’s all-time scoring leader with more than 4,000 points, he’s learned to draw fouls with his aggressiveness and increased strength instead of relying on three-point shooting. He leads the state, averaging 43.8 points.
Christian Collins, St. John Bosco: The best uncommitted player in California has been a model of consistency. The 6-foot-9 senior remains focused and hungry with each game, raising his skills and intensity to be a prime MVP candidate.
Kaiden Bailey, Santa Margarita: The Georgia Tech commit has truly become an outstanding point guard, ready to score if needed and pass if needed. When he went scoreless against St. John Bosco, he found another way to contribute with eight assists. The ability to recognize what is required will be key to his future success.
Joe Sterling, Harvard-Westlake: His three-point shooting skills are fantastic. The Texas commit is also learning to use his strength inside when needed. He faced adversity at the end of the regular season when his team lost three out of four games, so let’s see how he responds in the Open Division playoffs.
Brandon McCoy, Sierra Canyon: Give McCoy credit. He’s gotten better in his senior year even though he was already a top college prospect. Maybe it’s because he’s healthy. He’s jumping better and has become more explosive and versatile for the No. 1 team in California.
Cherif Millogo, St. Francis: Few knew what kind of influence the 7-4 center would have after transferring from Boston and missing a year because of a knee injury. He’s been a breath of fresh air. His skills are tremendous, along with his smiles and friendliness to fans and teammates alike.
Kevin Keshishyan, Los Altos: A 6-7 junior, Keshishyan entered this week averaging 20.4 points and 8.2 rebounds, proving his summer development was no fluke.
Eli Garner, Damien: It’s his fourth year playing on varsity and his best. He’s a scorer, rebounder and defender. Whatever coach Mike LeDuc asks of him, he delivers.
Devin Wright, Redondo Union: The son of former 12-year NBA player Dorell Wright has come on strong with big games against quality opponents, signaling the Sea Hawks have a fourth option to join SJ Madison, Chris Sanders and Chace Holley.
Gene Roebuck, La Mirada: The junior guard is averaging 22.4 points and kept his team competitive against one of the toughest schedules this season.
Maxwell Scott, Corona del Mar: A junior guard, Scott is close to automatic from three-point range when left open. He’s helped the Sea Kings reach the Open Division playoffs for the first time in school history.
NaVorro Bowman Jr., Sherman Oaks Notre Dame: He’s stamped as the best guard from the class of 2027. His shooting and scoring skills are elite. His strength keeps growing.
Will Conroy Jr., Village Christian: As a freshman, Conroy leads his team in scoring at 27.5 points a game and leads his team when games are close, showing poise beyond his age at 15 years old.
Jaden Bailes, JSerra: The transfer from San Diego St. Augustine keeps performing big in big games by making clutch shots.
Dylan McCord of Thousand Oaks has been one of the top three-point shooters this season.
(McCord family)
Dylan McCord, Thousand Oaks: The senior guard has made 113 threes while averaging 22.5 points. He set a school record with 10 threes in a single game.
Kamrynn Nathan, Elsinore: The junior guard is averaging nearly 25.2 points a game for the only unbeaten team left in the Southern Section.
Ethan Hill, Brentwood: Only a sophomore, he looks like a 6-7 football player yet can throw around his body in basketball. Once he gets the ball inside, the options are either watch him score or foul him.
Phillip Reed, Palisades: The freshman guard will be the player to watch as the Dolphins go for a City Section Open Division championship. His scoring skills and ability to find open teammates will be key to the Dolphins’ development.
Richie Ramirez, Mater Dei: He’s been an important addition as a junior guard, averaging 22.5 points a game.
Cayman Martin, Crespi: He played junior varsity last season as a sophomore after moving from Japan and has been a revelation with each game.
