What’s Going On With Ayton? Redick: “He Can’t Get the Ball”

The Los Angeles Lakers season continues to swing between convincing performances and frustrating lapses, and one of the clearest symbols of this inconsistency is Deandre Ayton. The big man who arrived in the summer already had a well-defined reputation: undeniable talent, but uneven production. So far, the facts seem to confirm it.

Deandre Ayton’s ups and downs: a consistency issue

Throughout the season, Ayton has shown flashes of effectiveness, becoming a key factor for the Lakers in some games. In others, however, he has looked almost invisible, with minimal impact.

This inconsistency isn’t new, but on a team with playoff ambitions, it inevitably carries more weight. Part of the fanbase has pointed directly at the center, identifying him as one of the reasons behind the team’s struggles.

The game vs Thunder reignites the debate

The 123-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder brought the issue back into focus. In that game, Ayton played 23 minutes, attempted just four shots, and finished with only 3 points and 3 rebounds.

A stat line that feels even heavier considering the number of absences: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes were all out. In that context, a much more aggressive approach was expected from him.

JJ Redick and a concerning explanation

After the game, head coach JJ Redick offered an explanation that raised eyebrows:

He’s having trouble getting the ball. We’ve drawn up several plays for him. He’s just struggling to catch it. I don’t know if it’s the passes or his positioning

JJ Redick

Redick emphasized this point multiple times, highlighting how the issue isn’t about opportunities created, but the inability to capitalize on them starting from the catch.

A statement that raises questions: is this a technical limitation? A matter of timing and reads? Or focus?

Declining numbers and growing responsibility

The season stats paint a less-than-ideal picture:

• 8.2 shots per game (career low)
• 12.2 points and 8 rebounds per game
• 27.1 minutes on the floor

With a full roster, Ayton is the fourth offensive option. But with the current injuries, his role changes dramatically: much more is required from him.

The real issue: mindset or structural limits?

This is where the key question emerges. Thinking that simply “getting him more involved” is the solution might be an oversimplification. If the real issue is catching the ball – as suggested by Redick – then the problem runs deeper.

A skeptic might ask: is it possible that an experienced NBA big man struggles this much with a basic fundamental? Or is the real issue his ability to establish position and impose himself physically?

There’s also another perspective: in a system with many creators, Ayton may have developed an excessive dependence on others, losing aggressiveness and initiative.

Time is up: now or never

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out for several weeks, the Lakers need a tangible contribution from Ayton.

Not just numbers, but presence, energy, and impact. Because without an immediate leap, the risk is entering the playoffs without the necessary foundation to get past the first round.