“I looked in the mirror and said to myself: ‘Man, you’re not that guy.’ You don’t need to do all that on this team. You came here to be the player who grinds, the rebounder, the guy who closes out possessions. You came here to run the floor, to make the superstars work. And I’m not going to lie, I’m having fun.”
At the best point of the season for the Los Angeles Lakers, having won 14 of their last 16 games, the greatest joy for J.J. Redick isn’t coming from the results or individual brilliance, but from a quiet shift – one that may have gone unnoticed amidst the bright lights, but could prove decisive when it matters most: DeAndre Ayton has undergone a complete change in mindset. According to Dan Woike in a recent article in The Athletic, following the loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 6th, the center was more affected than ever. He reached a decision point, initiating a mental shift to focus solely on helping his team win.
It’s been five seasons since Ayton last reached the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, the best season of his career, falling just two wins short of championship glory. Though, it was during this challenging period that the center realized he shouldn’t accept such opportunities as the norm. In recent games, key victories against the Knicks, Timberwolves, Nuggets, and Rockets – the Lakers’ best stretch of the season – a crucial factor has been Ayton’s availability and willingness to accept a role off the bench. When called upon by Redick, he’s been ready to impact the game in significant ways. “When I’m on the bench so much, normally that’s it (the game is over). But recently, (Reddick) has given me the confidence to stay active. And now I’m fully engaged. 110 percent.”
Ayton’s season could be characterized by inconsistency. At times, the coaching staff has opted for other options in close games, such as Jaxon Hayes, or even a small-ball lineup. But adjustments take time. Just as it took time for Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James to find their rhythm, the same has been true for Ayton. both he and the team have struggled to define his role heading into a postseason that, despite lingering doubts, is generating excitement. His role is now clearer than ever: on offense, set solid screens and finish strong around the rim – a high-percentage shot for him. But where his impact will truly elevate the team is on defense: the goal is to forget about individual numbers and become a role player, a soldier who helps win battles. Achieving this transformation requires letting go of the ego that comes with being the No. 1 overall draft pick (the same draft where Dončić was selected third). Fortunately, for both him and the Lakers, it appears he’s finally done so.
“I looked in the mirror and said to myself: ‘Man, you’re not that guy. You don’t need to do all that on this team. You came here to be the player who grinds, the rebounder, the guy who closes out possessions,’” Ayton told ESPN. If Ayton continues to apply this mindset honestly, channeling his energy into hard work and defense, the Lakers will elevate their game as they head into the most important phase of the season. He needs to become that ‘X-factor’ that championship teams rely on. It’s clear the Lakers have made significant strides in recent weeks, with Dončić playing at a high level and LeBron remaining focused, but much of the success stems from Ayton’s effort to fit into the team’s system in the most optimal way to win. “Everyone is locked in, and I’m tired of being the odd man out. Now I’m finally catching up.”
This will be the first season in five years that Ayton will play at least 60 regular-season games. While he’s at career lows in minutes (27.5), points (12.3), and rebounds (8.3), there appears to be a brighter outlook for his situation in Los Angeles. The opportunity to play in meaningful games and compete for a championship is precisely why he was targeted in the offseason. Now, just a month away from the start of the playoffs, he’s understood his role and what he needs to do to help the team. Whether it’s a strong offensive performance when others are struggling, key defensive stops against a superstar like Nikola Jokić, or a significant impact off the bench in the final quarter, he can be a key piece that Redick can rely on 110 percent. And a huge help for Dončić, who needs, in addition to playing at a superlative level, the maximum effort from each of his teammates if the Lakers want to be relevant when it matters most. “I love that the team trusts me. I don’t want to lose that trust. Whenever they sub me out, I’m eager to get back in the game and help as much as possible; just to have fun again.”
J.J. Redick, currently in his second season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, was hired on June 20, 2024, becoming the 29th head coach in franchise history, according to NBA.com. Redick, a former player himself, is tasked with guiding a Lakers team with championship aspirations. His emphasis on Ayton’s evolving role underscores a broader strategy of maximizing team contributions beyond star power.
The Lakers’ recent success is a testament to this approach. Their 14 wins in the last 16 games demonstrate a cohesive unit where players are embracing their roles and contributing to a common goal. Ayton’s transformation, from a player seeking to dominate to one focused on team success, is emblematic of this shift.
As the playoffs approach, the Lakers will need every player to be at their best. Ayton’s willingness to accept a supporting role, combined with his defensive intensity and rebounding prowess, could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential. The Lakers’ journey towards a championship will depend not only on the brilliance of their stars but also on the contributions of players like DeAndre Ayton, who are willing to sacrifice individual glory for the sake of team success.
The Lakers next face the Utah Jazz on April 3rd at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM PDT (April 4th, 2:30 AM UTC).
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