The Los Angeles Lakers are running out of options, and head coach JJ Redick isn’t holding back when it comes to what’s going wrong.
With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James all sidelined in their recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the spotlight has shifted firmly onto Deandre Ayton to step up offensively.
Instead, the big man has struggled to deliver.
Ayton managed just two points against the Thunder and followed that with a 13-point outing in another loss, this time to the Dallas Mavericks. Despite the Lakers actively trying to feature him more in the offense, the results haven’t followed, and Redick made it clear why.
“He’s had trouble catching the ball,” Redick said. “We’ve 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.”
The blunt assessment highlights a surprisingly basic issue that’s become a major problem for Los Angeles. In a stretch where the team desperately needs reliable scoring, even routine plays are breaking down before they can develop.
To Ayton’s credit, he had been settling into his role prior to the recent wave of injuries, operating effectively as a rim-runner, rebounder, and interior presence. But with key creators out, his responsibilities have shifted quickly, and the Lakers now need more than just effort around the basket.
There’s also the question of chemistry. With players like Luke Kennard and Bronny James taking on larger playmaking duties, timing and familiarity haven’t quite clicked. Still, as Redick suggested, execution remains the bigger concern.
The Lakers don’t have the luxury of time to figure it out. With the postseason approaching, they need Ayton to convert opportunities, not lose them before the shot even goes up.
If Los Angeles is going to stay competitive in the West, that margin for error has to disappear fast.
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