#deandre_ayton

JJ Redick's Latest Deandre Ayton Criticism Sparks Suns Fan Resonance The ongoing saga surrounding Deandre Ayton’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has taken another turn as head coach JJ Redick publicly highlighted the center’s struggles to adapt to his new role. Redick’s recent comments, delivered during a press conference, have reignited discussions about Ayton’s fit with the Lakers and drawn parallels to his previous struggles with the Phoenix Suns. The situation has left fans of both teams reflecting on the challenges of integrating a high-profile draft pick into a championship-caliber roster. Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick in 2018, joined the Lakers in the offseason of 2024 with high expectations. The team hoped he would complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James as a rim-running, lob-catching big man capable of anchoring the paint. However, his performance has been far from ideal. This season, Ayton is averaging a career-low 12.2 points per game, a stark contrast to his earlier years with the Suns. His struggles have been compounded by a lack of offensive efficiency, with the Lakers performing significantly better when he is on the bench. According to advanced metrics, the team is 4.2 points per 100 possessions better when Ayton is not on the floor. Opponents, meanwhile, score 1.8 points per 100 possessions more when he is in the game, while the Lakers’ offense drops by 2.2 points per 100 possessions with him on the court. These numbers underscore the growing concern that Ayton’s presence is not only failing to elevate the team but also creating defensive vulnerabilities. Redick’s frustration with Ayton’s inability to adapt has been a recurring theme since his arrival in Los Angeles.#los_angeles_lakers #deandre_ayton #jj_redick #phoenix_suns #clint_capela

Redick Talks Ayton's Struggles 'Catching The Ball' After Lakers Lose to Thunder Without LeBron, Luka The Los Angeles Lakers faced a significant challenge in their 123-87 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, as the team was without LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves. Lakers head coach JJ Redick highlighted the difficulties the team encountered, particularly pointing to the struggles of center Deandre Ayton. Redick emphasized that Ayton’s inability to catch the ball had been a recurring issue, despite the team running multiple plays for him. “He’s had trouble catching the ball,” Redick said. “We ran a bunch of plays for him. He’s just had trouble catching the ball. I don’t know if that’s the passing or if it’s him trying to get position. He just hasn’t been able to catch the ball.” Ayton’s performance in the game was lackluster, as he managed just three points on 1-of-4 shooting, alongside three rebounds, one block, and one turnover in 23 minutes of play. His struggles were a stark contrast to his usual contributions, which have often included double-doubles in his first seven NBA seasons. However, this game marked a low point for the 7-foot center, who has struggled to maintain his previous level of efficiency. The Lakers’ decision to sign Ayton to a two-year, $16.21 million contract in free agency, including a player option for the 2026-27 season, was based on his track record of solid statistical output. Ayton, who was selected first overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA draft, spent his first five seasons with the Suns before moving to the Portland Trail Blazers for two years. Despite his consistent production, questions about his effort and reliability have persisted throughout his career.#lakers #lebron_james #deandre_ayton #jj_redick #oklahoma_city_thunder

Deandre Ayton Injury Update: Questionable for Wednesday Game Deandre Ayton (back soreness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The injury was added to the injury report late, and while the severity appears minor, the Los Angeles Lakers may opt for a maintenance approach given the opponent. If Ayton sits, Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt are expected to see increased playing time. Fantasy Implications: Ayton’s absence could open up opportunities for Hayes and Vanderbilt in DFS lineups. The Lakers’ offensive strategy may shift to prioritize ball distribution and spacing, which could benefit role players. Monitor the injury status closer to game time, as the Lakers might manage Ayton’s workload strategically. Related Articles: NBA DFS Picks: FanDuel Lineup Plays and Strategy for Thursday, March 19 Rockets vs. Lakers Props: Expert Betting Picks for Tonight's Game (March 16, 2025) 10 Fantasy Basketball Busts of 2025–26: Biggest Disappointments & Drop-Offs For DFS strategies and deeper insights, check out the linked articles for tailored advice! 🏀#los_angeles_lakers #indiana_pacers #jaxson_hayes #deandre_ayton #jarred_vanderbilt

Luka Dončić hits wild fadeaway jumper to push Lakers over Nuggets in overtime The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 127-125 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, with a dramatic game-winning shot from Luka Dončić sealing the win. With six seconds remaining in the extra period, Dončić drained a difficult corner fadeaway, beating the clock and giving the Lakers the edge. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with the Lakers taking an early lead in the first half before the Nuggets surged in the third quarter to take control. Los Angeles fought back to narrow the gap, but the Nuggets held a slight advantage heading into the final moments of regulation. Austin Reaves then delivered a pivotal play by intentionally missing his second free throw, grabbing the rebound, and converting a tricky game-tying floater to force overtime. Overtime was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Denver’s Deandre Ayton scored twice inside, and Aaron Gordon hit a three-pointer to give the Nuggets a lead. However, Marcus Smart answered with a three-pointer to put the Lakers ahead. Nikola Jokić tied the game with a layup, setting the stage for Dončić’s heroics. Dončić finished the game with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Reaves led both teams with 32 points. Jokić contributed 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists, and Gordon added 27 points for Denver. The win moved the Lakers to third in the Western Conference, bolstered by a fully healthy roster. It also marked the team’s fifth consecutive victory as the regular season approaches its final stretch. Denver, meanwhile, dropped to sixth in the standings after losing three of its past five games.#los_angeles_lakers #deandre_ayton #denver_nuggets #austin_reaves #luka_doni

Rockets' Alperen Sengun Misses Game Amid Back Pain HOUSTON — Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ All-Star center, remained sidelined with low back pain for their home matchup against the Lakers, marking the second consecutive game he has missed under this designation. While he participated in Monday’s shootaround, Sengun was not in the lineup as the team continued without him. The Rockets had previously defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday while Sengun was out, and the absence of the Turkish big man continues to impact their roster depth. The Rockets-Lakers game holds significant implications for the Western Conference playoff race, as both teams entered the matchup tied in the loss column (42-25 for the Lakers and 41-25 for the Rockets). The two teams are among the West’s teams with the fewest losses, highlighting the tight competition in the conference. Sengun’s absence adds pressure to the Rockets’ depth, as they rely on their remaining players to fill the void left by his injury. Despite his absence, Sengun has been a key contributor this season, averaging 20.2 points (50.3% FG), 8.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. His statistical performance has been a bright spot for the Rockets, but concerns have emerged about his defensive play compared to last season. Tracking data suggests his defensive contributions have declined, and some analysts speculate that physical ailments, including his back pain, may be a factor. The Rockets are reportedly giving Sengun time off to address these issues and potentially return to full form. Head coach Ime Udoka opted to start backup center Clint Capela in Sengun’s absence, pairing him with the usual quartet of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason.#rockets #deandre_ayton #alperen_sengun #clint_capela #tari_eason

Lakers' Deandre Ayton Goes to Locker Room Deandre Ayton left the game during the second quarter of Thursday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets, according to a report from The California Post. The exact reason for his exit remains unspecified, though it is unclear if an injury was involved. Ayton was not seen on the bench in the final minutes of the first half, and his status for the remainder of the game was not immediately determined. The report notes that Ayton was still active on the court during the latter part of the first half, suggesting the situation may not have been immediately urgent. However, his absence from the game raises questions about his availability for the rest of the contest. The team has not yet provided further details, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about the cause of his exit. Ayton’s status for future games remains uncertain, with the team indicating he could be questionable to return. Additional updates are expected as more information becomes available. The situation highlights the potential impact of unexpected player movements during high-stakes matchups, particularly in a league where team dynamics and player health can shift rapidly. The Lakers’ coaching staff and medical team will likely assess Ayton’s condition in the coming hours, with decisions about his availability for subsequent games depending on the findings. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing game and the team’s ability to adjust to his absence.#lakers #nba #deandre_ayton #denver_nuggets #the_california_post

Lakers Trust Jaxson Hayes to Step Up Against Knicks as Deandre Ayton Sideline The Los Angeles Lakers are placing their faith in Jaxson Hayes to carry the load against the New York Knicks, with starting center Deandre Ayton sidelined due to left knee soreness. Hayes, the team’s backup center, has emerged as a key contributor this season and is expected to see increased playing time if Ayton remains unavailable for Sunday’s matchup. Hayes’ rise to prominence has been steady, particularly after the Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericks in 2025 for Luka Dončić. Last year, Hayes was the team’s primary big man, and his performance has continued to improve this season. Coach JJ Redick praised Hayes’ growth, noting his ability to make touch shots around the rim, execute pocket decisions, and inject energy into the team with his physical play. “He’s a better basketball player now,” Redick said. “He’s making great decisions and consistently contributes to the game.” Ayton, the 2018 No. 1 draft pick, has been the team’s starting center for all 54 games this season but has been limited to just 4.5 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets and sat out Friday’s game against the Pacers. His status for Sunday’s contest remains uncertain, but the Lakers are preparing for the possibility of Hayes stepping into a larger role. Hayes has already shown his ability to handle increased responsibilities. In eight games as a starter, he averaged 11.4 points (81.6% shooting), 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, with the Lakers posting a 6-2 record in those contests. His performance against the Nuggets, where he scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and the Pacers, with nine points and four rebounds, highlights his readiness for bigger challenges.#los_angeles_lakers #jaxson_hayes #deandre_ayton #new_york_knicks #jj_redick

Lakers quietly vindicated for utilizing Deandre Ayton in the Clint Capela role Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton’s role in the team’s game plan has been a topic of discussion, particularly after he reportedly expressed frustration over how head coach JJ Redick is using him. Ayton, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, has been asked to emulate the style of veteran center Clint Capela, a player known for his defensive presence and rebounding ability. Despite not aligning with Ayton’s preferred playing style, the approach has yielded tangible results for the Lakers. The team’s performance when Ayton is on the court underscores the effectiveness of this strategy. Los Angeles holds a 32-21 record when Ayton plays, compared to a 5-3 mark when he’s sidelined. While the team’s net rating of 0.3 is modest, the contrast in scoring efficiency highlights the importance of Ayton’s contributions. When he’s on the floor, the Lakers outscore opponents by 2.6 points per 100 possessions, whereas they are outscored by 2.2 points when he’s absent. These numbers, though influenced by the team’s overall inconsistency, demonstrate Ayton’s value in key moments. The Lakers’ reliance on Ayton is further emphasized by their lack of viable alternatives at the center position. With limited depth, Ayton’s ability to thrive in the Capela role is critical. His impact is most evident in specific statistical categories. For instance, the Lakers are 11-1 when Ayton records at least two blocks in a game and 15-8 when he secures three or more offensive rebounds. His defensive rebounding and rim protection have directly influenced the team’s success, with a winning percentage of .652 when he meets these benchmarks compared to .566 when he doesn’t. Recent performances reinforce this trend.#lakers #deandre_ayton #jj_redick #new_orleans_pelicans #clint_capela

Raymond Felton Questions Deandre Ayton's Fit with Lakers' Stars The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a complex dynamic as they attempt to integrate star players LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves with former first-round pick Deandre Ayton. The team’s struggles to balance their roster have sparked ongoing speculation and criticism, with Ayton’s role on the court under scrutiny. From Luka Doncic’s frequent complaints to referees to the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities, the team has faced multiple challenges this season. Ayton’s frustration with his limited playing time has also added to the tension, as he seeks a more prominent role in the offense. Former NBA guard Raymond Felton, a 14-season veteran, has offered a potential solution to Ayton’s grievances. On his podcast “To The Baha,” Felton suggested moving Ayton to the bench to play with the second unit. This approach, he argued, would allow Ayton to receive more touches without competing for ball-handling responsibilities with the team’s top playmakers. Felton, who was the first-overall pick in the 2018 draft, emphasized that Ayton’s career has revolved around being a primary ball-handler, averaging 12.4 attempts per game in his first seven seasons. This season, however, his touches have been drastically reduced, with only 8.7 attempts per game due to the presence of Luka, LeBron, and Austin. Felton predicted Ayton’s frustration would emerge, stating, “I said this months ago. Now we’re two months into it, and he’s crashing out, saying he needs touches. I told y’all this was going to happen.” He reiterated his belief that benching Ayton would provide him with more opportunities, saying, “Put that man on the bench. Let him come off the bench and get all the touches he wants. He’ll get more touches. Not all the touches, but more touches.#lebron_james #luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #deandre_ayton #raymond_felton

Lakers’ Marcus Smart Signing Proves Game-Changing Move The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to sign Marcus Smart after his offseason buyout from the Wizards has already shown its value, as the former Defensive Player of the Year delivered a standout performance in a 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. Despite struggling with shooting efficiency—shooting just 30% from beyond the arc and committing 21 turnovers—the Lakers relied heavily on Smart’s defense to secure the win. His ability to shut down opponents and make critical plays highlighted why the move was a masterstroke for a team in need of defensive stability. Smart’s impact was evident throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter when the Lakers faced a deficit. His relentless effort on the defensive end led to seven combined steals and blocks, keeping the Pelicans at bay and allowing Los Angeles to mount a comeback. The 30-minute span of his impact saw the Lakers outscore New Orleans by 13 points, a testament to his influence on both ends of the floor. A crucial fourth-quarter 3-pointer sealed the victory, showcasing his clutch ability to step up when it matters most. Beyond the numbers, Smart’s presence elevated the team’s energy and focus. Head coach JJ Redick inserted him into the starting lineup in late February as the roster healed from injuries, and the Lakers have since found rhythm in their play. Smart’s role as a leader and vocal defender has been instrumental in maintaining team cohesion, especially in high-stakes moments. His ability to engage players like Deandre Ayton and keep the defense sharp has been a key factor in the Lakers’ recent success. While Luka Doncic and LeBron James carried the scoring load with Doncic posting a 27-point double-double, Smart’s contributions were equally vital.#lakers #deandre_ayton #jj_redick #new_orleans_pelicans #marcus_smart