JJ Redick quickly dumps DeAndre Ayton after a frustrating sequence
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-103, on Tuesday at the Smoothie King Center for their third straight win.
But it was far from easy, as the Lakers had to rally in the fourth quarter to pull off a come-from-behind victory. They improved to 23-11, including 13-5 on the road.
After their previous fall, coach JJ Redick put in more effort on both ends. In the second quarter against the Pelicans, he immediately subsidized Deandre Ayton after allowing an offensive rebound on a missed free throw and a layup and one by Trey Murphy III.
Lakers commentator Bill McDonald noted that Ayton, replaced by Jackson Hayes, “looks pumped up.”
Deandre Ayton is lazy on a miss at the free throw line leading to a three point play for Trey Murphy. Ayton was immediately kicked out (perhaps drugged?) pic.twitter.com/VBPmKp1leR
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) January 7, 2026
The conditioning of the 27-year-old Ayton has been the subject of criticism for years. His level of competitiveness has also been questioned, as some feel the former Arizona standout is not playing to his full potential.
Redick recently admitted that Ayton has become frustrated with his lack of touches in recent games.
Ayton finished with 18 points on 9-of-16 shooting against New Orleans. He also had 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. It was a strong follow-up to his performance in theirs victory over the Memphis Grizzlies120-114, on Sunday, in which he had 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
It’s safe to assume that Redick will address Ayton’s lackluster effort in the aforementioned instance. But the big man’s solid performance should also earn praise from another coach.
The Lakers, however, have no time to relax as they face the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
2026-01-07 04:12:00
