JJ Redick explains how Deandre Ayton has improved Lakers offense
Ayton’s Seamless Fit Fuels Lakers’ Early Season Success
Los Angeles – Deandre Ayton is quickly proving to be the missing piece for the Los Angeles Lakers, exceeding even the most optimistic expectations. The center’s impact was on full display in the Lakers’ recent victory over the Dallas Mavericks, where he contributed 17 points on near-perfect shooting (8-of-9) and eight rebounds. But beyond the box score, it’s Ayton’s adaptability and willingness to learn that are truly impressing both coaches and teammates.
A Coach’s Perspective: Redick’s Trust in Ayton
Lakers head coach JJ Redick highlighted a pivotal conversation he had with Ayton prior to the Mavericks game. “I had a great conversation with [Ayton] this morning,” Redick shared after the win. “It was essentially [that] he’s doing a great job of understanding how the offense is being run and who the offense is being run through and then playing off of that, which we saw tonight.” This isn’t simply about putting up numbers; it’s about understanding the nuances of the Lakers’ offensive system and maximizing its potential.
Redick also emphasized Ayton’s ability to exploit mismatches, particularly against smaller defenders. “There was a play in the first half where he got an early seal against Cooper Flagg. It was super physical and got two points and then he had the one against the zone late against PJ Washington. That’s a dynamic that we didn’t have at the end of last season.” The Lakers struggled at times last season to consistently punish opposing defenses with size, a problem Ayton appears poised to solve.
Beyond the Scoreboard: Ayton’s Versatility and Impact
Ayton’s offensive skillset extends beyond traditional post play. His proficiency in the short roll, high field goal percentage, and unselfishness – even when not directly involved in the scoring – provide the Lakers with a level of offensive flexibility they haven’t possessed since the departure of Anthony Davis. He’s become a crucial outlet, creating opportunities for LeBron James and Austin Reaves to operate effectively.
The Lakers’ front office took a calculated risk in acquiring Ayton this offseason, and it’s paying dividends. He’s firmly established as a starter, even returning effectively from a recent knee contusion. His presence allows the Lakers to explore different lineups and strategies, making them a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent.
Rebounding and Chemistry: The Cornerstones of Success
Ayton isn’t just a scoring threat; he’s also the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 8.9 boards per game. This is particularly significant considering the importance of controlling the glass in a league increasingly focused on second-chance points. According to data from the NBA’s official stats website, teams that win the rebounding battle win approximately 60% of their games. Ayton’s contributions in this area are directly translating to wins for the Lakers.
Perhaps even more importantly, Ayton’s attitude and chemistry with his teammates have been exceptional. He’s embraced Redick’s coaching philosophy and is actively working to improve his game. This willingness to learn and collaborate is fostering a positive team environment, which is crucial for long-term success.
A Summer Well Spent: The Lakers’ Best Move?
At this early stage of the season, the Ayton signing appears to be the Lakers’ most astute move of the summer. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the team’s system, coupled with his undeniable talent, has transformed the Lakers into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The challenge now is consistency. If Ayton can maintain his current level of production, the Lakers have a legitimate chance to make a deep playoff run.
The Lakers’ success with Ayton also highlights a broader trend in the NBA: the increasing importance of versatile big men who can score, rebound, and defend multiple positions. Players like Ayton, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid are redefining the center position, and their impact on the game is undeniable. The Lakers are fortunate to have added one of these game-changing players to their roster.
The early returns are overwhelmingly positive. Deandre Ayton isn’t just fitting in with the Lakers; he’s elevating them. And as the season progresses, his impact will only continue to grow.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
Even the most optimistic people wouldn’t have predicted how well Deandre Ayton would fit with the Lakers.
Ayton had 17 points on 8-9 shooting along with eight rebounds in the win. After the game, head coach JJ Redick praised Ayton not only for his play but also for his awareness of what is required of him for this team to maximize its potential.
“I had a great conversation with [Ayton] this morning,” Redick said. “It was essentially [that] he’s doing a great job of understanding how the offense is being run and who the offense is being run through and then playing off of that, which we saw tonight. But the other point is his ability to punish smaller defenders. It’s something as a team, it’s not on him, it’s something as a team we’ve got to get better at.
“There was a play in the first half where he got an early seal against Cooper Flagg. It was super physical and got two points and then he had the one against the zone late against PJ Washington. That’s a dynamic that we didn’t have at the end of last season. So his importance in understanding that and for our guys understanding that…using his size and his nimbleness and his strength and all the stuff that makes him who he is, using that against switching defenses is going to be really important.”
Ayton has been a fantastic offensive player for the Lakers. His ability in the short roll, high field goal percentage, and willingness even when he doesn’t get the ball to still help the team gives the Lakers optionality at the five they just haven’t had since the departure of Anthony Davis.
He’s written in ink as a starter, and even on his first game back from a knee contusion, he was able to be impactful and effective.
At this point, all Ayton has to do is stay at this level of production. His chemistry with the guys and his attitude have been incredible. He’s scoring well and he’s the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 8.9 boards per game.
With Ayton being receptive to Redick’s guidance and having the talent to execute his coach’s vision, the Ayton signing is looking like the best decision the Lakers’ front office made this summer.