Quick Read
- Deandre Ayton recorded his third double-double in four games for the Lakers with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
- Coach JJ Redick publicly criticized the team’s effort and promised an ‘uncomfortable’ practice after a loss to Houston.
- Ayton’s casual response to Redick’s comments hints at a gap between public accountability and locker room reality.
On the surface, Deandre Ayton’s recent performances for the Los Angeles Lakers are textbook examples of what every NBA team craves in a big man: reliability, hustle, and, most of all, results. Ayton posted his third double-double in four games as the Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak against the Sacramento Kings on December 28, 2025, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds (OC Register). Those numbers might not leap off the stat sheet, but for a team seeking stability, Ayton’s presence in the paint means more than just stats.
After a frustrating loss to the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, where the Lakers were out-rebounded 48–25 and lost Austin Reaves to injury, head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his postgame comments. “We don’t care enough right now. We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary. We don’t care enough to be professional,” Redick said, promising a tough, “uncomfortable” practice and meeting for his squad (Heavy.com). It was the kind of public call-out that could either galvanize a team or expose deeper fractures.
But when reporters asked Ayton about the much-hyped meeting, his response was telling. “Y’all bought into that?” Ayton replied, sparking laughter and surprise among the assembled media. He refused to elaborate, but the message was clear: whatever discomfort Redick intended, the locker room may not have felt it as sharply as the outside world expected. Ayton’s laid-back demeanor didn’t challenge Redick directly, but it did hint at a possible gap between the coach’s tough talk and the players’ actual experience.
In the NBA, chemistry is as vital as talent. The Lakers, for much of the season, have been able to lean on the leadership of veterans like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Both were instrumental in the win over Sacramento, with Dončić scoring 34 and James adding 24 points. But with Reaves sidelined and Redick juggling the lineup—Marcus Smart stepped in as a starter, Nick Smith Jr. got increased minutes—the need for collective buy-in is more urgent than ever (OC Register).
Ayton, for his part, has quietly become a pillar of consistency. Over the last stretch of games, his ability to control the boards and contribute offensively has helped the Lakers weather injuries and lineup changes. While not the flashiest player on the roster, Ayton’s role is crucial, especially when the team’s offensive rhythm stalls or defensive rotations slip, as they did during the recent losing streak.
Yet, basketball is never just about numbers. Redick’s public challenge and Ayton’s reaction shine a light on the delicate balance between accountability and morale. Does tough love from the coach translate into urgency for the players? Or does it risk alienating key contributors who may not respond to that approach? Ayton’s nonchalant reply suggests that, for some in the locker room, the real pressure comes from within—or perhaps from the expectations of fans and media, rather than from fiery speeches.
As the Lakers sit near the top half of the Western Conference (19–10 at the last count), the season is far from lost. Early stability, even as LeBron missed time and the team battled injuries, has kept them competitive. The recent win over the Kings was a much-needed reset, with contributions up and down the roster: Nick Smith Jr.’s 21 points off the bench, Smart’s defensive energy, and Ayton’s double-double all played a part.
The path forward will test the Lakers’ resolve. Austin Reaves’ health remains a concern, and Redick’s challenge—”I’m not doing another 53 games like this”—hangs in the air. But it’s Ayton’s response that may be the most telling. It’s a reminder that locker room dynamics can’t be forced by outside pressure, and that sometimes, the real story isn’t in the stats, but in how a team absorbs adversity and chooses to respond.
For now, Ayton is doing what he does best: anchoring the paint, grabbing rebounds, and letting his play do the talking. Whether Redick’s message ultimately lands or not, the Lakers’ 2025 campaign will depend on more than just effort—it will depend on trust, chemistry, and the willingness to tune out the noise and play for each other.
Deandre Ayton’s steady hand in turbulent times shows the value of quiet leadership, but the subtle disconnect with Coach Redick’s public intensity highlights a truth: true team cohesion is built on mutual respect, not just on-demand accountability. The Lakers’ fate this season may hinge on bridging that gap, both on the court and behind closed doors.