Deandre Ayton’s rebounding struggles have nothing to do with his ability. They are about involvement. When Ayton is not part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense, his impact on the glass disappears with it.
That is exactly what head coach JJ Redick pointed to when discussing Ayton’s recent play. “I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball,” Redick said, adding that it’s “human nature” for rebounding to slip when a player does not feel engaged offensively.
The Lakers, he noted, need to do a better job of getting Ayton touches early in games. That part is extremely obvious. Just take a look at his recent stat lines and the story that they tell.
The stat lines that tell the story
On Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets, Ayton played 36 minutes and finished with just two rebounds while taking only six shots. Against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 30, he logged 26 minutes and again grabbed just two boards.
In the most recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, he collected six rebounds but took only four field-goal attempts. For a starting center, those rebounding numbers simply do not work.
There is a clear pattern behind it. In 11 of Ayton’s 12 double-doubles this season, he attempted double-digit shots. When he is involved offensively, he rebounds with intent. When he is not, his presence fades. That is not new, and it is not surprising.
Of course, touches are hard to come by on a Lakers team built around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Those three handle most of the scoring responsibility, and rightfully so. But involving Ayton does not require changing the offense.
This is where Doncic can make the biggest difference. Doncic has built a reputation around making centers productive by finding them early and often. A quick post touch, a pocket pass, or a lob to start the game can change how a big man stays engaged. When Ayton feels connected to the flow, the rebounding follows naturally.
Redick also acknowledged that Ayton has to do his part by staying active and demanding the ball. But the staff can help by calling a few early sets for him. Not to force shots, but to establish rhythm.
A starting center pulling down two rebounds in heavy minutes is not sustainable for a team with championship goals. The Lakers do not need a major adjustment. The solution is already there; get Ayton involved, and let the rest fall into place.