Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said on May 11 that he continues to believe in center Deandre Ayton, despite the player’s recent struggles in the playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers are facing elimination at home on Monday night.
Redick’s comments come as Ayton has seen a drop in performance during the second round of the playoffs. While Ayton played well and averaged a double-double against the Houston Rockets in the first round, his numbers have declined against Oklahoma City. In three games, Ayton is averaging 7.7 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting just 39.3% from the field.
“Look, I’ve been around DA for a season now,” Redick told reporters after practice on Sunday. “I know how special he is for our group to succeed. And I told him this morning, I said to him in the Houston series at one point he was the big part of the reason we were winning the series. He was a big part of the reason we won the series. I believe in him and he’s going to help us win tomorrow.”
Ayton has struggled throughout parts of this season but improved toward its end by embracing his role as a defender and rebounder for Los Angeles. Redick credited Ayton with helping secure victory over Houston but acknowledged that more would be needed if Los Angeles hopes to extend its current playoff run.
As Game 4 approaches with Los Angeles down three games to none—a deficit no NBA team has ever overcome—Redick’s continued support may serve as motivation for Ayton and his teammates heading into what could be their final game of this postseason.