The Los Angeles Lakers secured a win over the Toronto Raptors, with center Deandre Ayton delivering a standout performance. Ayton made all 10 of his field goal attempts, joining only two other Lakers in history to achieve a perfect shooting night on at least 10 shots. He finished the game with 25 points and 13 rebounds.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Ayton’s impact after the game. “Yeah, he was phenomenal,” Redick said. “He’s had a number of these games where he scores efficiently, but really just from a production standpoint to get 20-plus points, 10-plus rebounds that he’s had games like this. It’s just a huge thing for our team, particularly against teams that red. And that’s where I thought he made a huge difference today.
“There were a couple of passes early that we threw to him. One was a lob, one was we were trying to get a seal in early offense for him and we didn’t get him the ball. One was a little high on the lob and then the other one got deflected. I thought our guys just continued to trust him. As the game progressed, he just made some really tough catches in traffic and then was able to score the basketball.”
Redick emphasized the importance of keeping Ayton involved in future games. He explained that rewarding big men like Ayton for their efforts is important for team chemistry and motivation.
“There’s a trust level that I think exists with our guys, particularly when he’s in that short-role area,” Redick noted. “Those our post spacing, where he can get those little dump-off passes around the restricted area, just got such a great touch. But for all our guys, the pass is what connects us offensively. Even the defensive-minded players, they still want to feel like they’re part of the offense. That’s just the natural thing that basketball players have.
“And as a big, in particular you’re involved in a lot of plays where you don’t touch the ball. There’s certain players that are not involved in a lot of plays that don’t touch the ball. They’re in the corner, for example. But a big is typically screening a lot, rolling, so you’re doing a lot, and you don’t always get rewarded. And I think it’s important that we continue to look for him.”
Redick also highlighted how maintaining involvement keeps defenders engaged on both ends of the court and benefits overall team performance.
In addition to praising Ayton’s play, Redick recently commended forward Jarred Vanderbilt for his consistent contributions as an effective role player focused on defense.
