Following a recent win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed concerns about center Deandre Ayton’s involvement in the team’s offense. In the first of two consecutive games against Memphis, Ayton attempted only four shots and had also struggled to find opportunities in earlier losses to the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets.
The Lakers responded by focusing on getting Ayton more touches during their rematch with Memphis. As a result, Ayton recorded 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. After the six-point victory, Redick commented on the change in approach: “He was great throughout the game,” Redick said. “And we ran the first play for him, got him another couple of touches early. I think that was good for him to just touch the basketball and feel like he’s a part of the offense. It’s a tale as old as time for a big guy. That’s the reality of being a big. Someone has to pass you the ball. You’re not initiating the offense. And there were some things, that we kind of set up for him to get the ball.
“And I thought he did a great job, which we coached up yesterday in film. We coached on the court in reference to that post-up with LeBron and Jaxson [Hayes]. That’s the weak spot against the post. And he did a good job of playing out of that at times beyond just pick-and-roll. To come to that point, I think even Deandre’s acknowledged he’s a different kind of big as opposed to, you have your star bigs who have possession of the ball mostly and then you have your athletic bigs who are rim runners, finishers.”
Ayton himself spoke after the game about how centers depend on teammates to create scoring chances rather than generating them independently—a sentiment Redick supported by highlighting Ayton’s abilities and stressing team responsibility: “I mean, he is. He’s a highly skilled big,” Redick added. “I mean, there aren’t many of those left in today’s NBA. And just in terms of touch and shooting from the areas that he likes to get the ball. And that’s it’s on us as coaches, and it’s on players to make sure that he feels involved.”
Redick noted that while Ayton relies on playmakers for offensive opportunities rather than creating his own shots inside, keeping him engaged offensively can help motivate defensive effort as well.
Looking ahead, Ayton’s role may become more important since forward Rui Hachimura will not be available for an upcoming road trip due to injury absence alongside Austin Reaves.