The Los Angeles Lakers have navigated a complex start to the NBA season, recording a 21-11 record and currently positioned fifth in the Western Conference, despite facing a negative net rating. Among the many concerns affecting the team’s performance, the usage of starting center Deandre Ayton has emerged as a significant issue.
In a recent win against the Memphis Grizzlies, where the Lakers triumphed 128-121, backup big man Jaxson Hayes outperformed Ayton, leading to increased scrutiny of the latter’s role on the team. Coach JJ Redick noted that Hayes simply “played better” during the game.
After practice on Saturday, Redick elaborated on Ayton’s struggles, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the amount of touches he is receiving on offense. “I think he’s frustrated,” Redick remarked. “Doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball. There’s some stuff that we had to clean up… for him to be more available, but I’d say it boils down to that.”
The coach emphasized that Ayton’s engagement level is critical for building trust with his teammates. He pointed out that when a player doesn’t feel involved in the offense, their overall focus may decline, indicating a common psychological aspect among NBA players. This was reflected in Ayton’s performance against the Grizzlies, where he managed only four points and six rebounds, continuing a downward trend with averages of 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds over his last five outings.
As the Lakers prepare to conclude their two-game series against the Grizzlies at home on Sunday, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Ayton’s role and whether the team can harness his talents to ensure a successful second half of the season. Addressing Ayton’s frustrations and incorporating him more effectively into their offensive schemes could prove vital for the Lakers as they aim to solidify their playoff position.