The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to find consistency as a team. However, there have been noticeable issues on the offensive end, with too many possessions becoming stagnant. Lakers head coach JJ Redick believes the team has struggled offensively since LeBron James returned from injury, and he has taken full responsibility for the disorganization.
“Since we’ve gotten Bron back, we haven’t been as organized offensively,” Redick said. “Too many random possessions. That’s on me. It’s those 3 things: defensive clarity, role clarity and offensive organization.”
Coming into the season, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton after he was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers. Early on, Ayton was effective in the paint, and his mid-range jumper was a reliable part of the offense. As the season has progressed, however, Ayton has become less involved, leading to visible frustration.
“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” - JJ Redick on Deandre Ayton’s recent performances. Redick said that it’s “human nature” for Ayton’s rebounding production to dip if he doesn’t feel involved. Said LAL will work to get Ayton early touches,” Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin wrote.
With his numbers declining, Ayton has shown a tendency to disengage when things aren’t going well. That pattern was part of how his time ended in Phoenix and eventually in Portland. One of the biggest criticisms surrounding Ayton has been concerns about his impact in the locker room.
“The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton... right now he's been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room... he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said.
If Ayton continues to feel unhappy with his role and production, it will be worth watching whether those past tendencies resurface. At some point, he will need to learn how to handle adversity and remain engaged even when things aren’t going his way.
This situation could become even more problematic for the Lakers, who need their starting center fully bought in if they want to have any success. Ayton will need to mature and respond professionally when challenges arise if the Lakers hope to turn things around.