Deandre Ayton Breaks Silence on Frustration After JJ Redick’s Postgame Admission

Winning can still be uncomfortable.

Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 120–114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, head coach JJ Redick revealed something rarely said out loud after a win: Deandre Ayton was frustrated — not with the result, but with his involvement.

That honesty opened the door for a deeper conversation.

🗣️ Ayton Responds to Redick’s Revelation

Ayton, who finished with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, addressed the situation directly during his postgame media session.

His response was calm.

Measured.

And revealing.

“We’re winning the right way,” Ayton said. “Bigs can’t feed themselves. I just try to bring effort and trust my playmakers to find me.”

It wasn’t a complaint.

It was an explanation.

🧠 The Reality of the Lakers’ Star-Driven Offense

With Luka Dončić and LeBron James controlling the offense, touches naturally funnel toward the perimeter.

Against Memphis:

• Dončić exploded for 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists
• LeBron added 26 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds

In that context, Ayton’s role shifted from focal point to finisher — screen-setting, rim-running, and defensive anchoring.

Not glamorous.

But essential.

🛡️ Ayton’s Impact Went Beyond Touches

Even with limited offensive opportunities, Ayton delivered where the Lakers needed him most:

• 8 rebounds
• 3 blocks
• Strong interior defense in crunch time

His presence forced Memphis into tougher shots inside, helping the Lakers close without giving up easy paint points.

⚠️ JJ Redick Admits Offensive Frustration

Ayton’s situation fits into a larger issue Redick has openly acknowledged.

The Lakers’ head coach admitted the team has struggled to consistently execute plays — especially those drawn up during timeouts.

“I don’t know what else to do,” Redick said. “It’s happening consistently right now.”

Redick even suggested the timing — during the holiday stretch — may have contributed to lapses in focus and rhythm.

🔄 A Balancing Act Still in Progress

The challenge moving forward is clear:

• Keep the offense flowing through elite creators
• Maintain engagement from frontcourt pieces
• Avoid letting frustration linger beneath wins

Ayton’s comments suggest he understands the trade-off — even if it isn’t always easy.

📈 Why This Moment Matters

This wasn’t a controversy.

It was transparency.

Ayton didn’t deflect.

Redick didn’t hide it.

And the Lakers kept winning.

As Los Angeles prepares to face the New Orleans Pelicans, the focus shifts to refinement — finding ways to involve everyone without disrupting the structure that’s producing results.

Winning solves most problems.

But communication?

That prevents new ones from forming.