JJ Redick’s handling of Deandre Ayton against the Pelicans highlights the LA Lakers’ uncertainty about his future.
The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak with a 111–103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, but one moment from the game drew more attention than the final score.
Head coach JJ Redick’s second-quarter substitution of Deandre Ayton may have said more about the team’s long-term plans than any postgame interview.
JJ Redick sends Deandre Ayton a message with mid-game benching
The turning point came midway through the second quarter when Deandre Ayton failed to box out on a missed free throw, allowing Trey Murphy III to grab an offensive rebound and finish an and-one play.
Redick’s frustration was immediate, pulling Ayton from the game in favor of Jaxson Hayes. Though Ayton still finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, the incident highlighted ongoing issues with his consistency and effort.
Redick, who has emphasized defensive accountability since taking over, has made a point of benching players who fail to meet that standard.
In Ayton’s case, the message was clear — production isn’t enough without focus and intensity on both ends.
This isn’t the first time Ayton’s effort has come into question since joining the Lakers. The 25-year-old big man has been productive statistically.
But his energy has fluctuated, and that inconsistency has started to define his stint in Los Angeles.
Reports reinforce uncertainty about Deandre Ayton’s future with LA Lakers
Redick’s actions on the court appear to mirror the sentiment in the front office. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Lakers don’t view Ayton as their long-term solution at center.
“I don’t think anyone in that Lakers building sees Deandre Ayton as their long-term answer at center or as the pick-and-roll rim-lob threat that Luka Doncic will grow old with in Hollywood.”
Ayton joined the Lakers on a two-year, $16.2 million deal after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. In 29 games, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 70.4 percent from the field.
For the Lakers, that frustration seems to be part of the problem. Redick’s decision to pull Ayton after another defensive lapse, combined with reports questioning his long-term fit, paints a clear picture.
The Lakers may see him as a short-term fix rather than a franchise cornerstone. Unless Ayton finds the consistency that has long eluded him, his stay in Los Angeles could prove to be temporary.
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