Deandre Ayton is slowly adapting to the LA way of life. This season hasn’t been very kind to the former No. 1 pick. Some nights, the Lakers have closed the game with the 27-year-old on the bench. Jaxson Hayes or Maxi Kleber replacing him. And sometimes, they’ve gone without a center. Despite his inconsistencies, Ayton has repeatedly managed to regroup and find his rhythm again. But the credit for the same goes to JJ Redick.

Coach Redick is asking Ayton for grit over glamour. No need for soft touch jumpers or midrange flashes. Instead, he craves defense, hustle, and relentless rim runs. So, every screen matters, every rebound counts. Meanwhile, impact hides beyond numbers. DA has to rediscover value without the spotlight and still tilt the game.

“That’s a fact. That is a true fact. But me, I scratched that, I took that out. I said … when it comes to scoring, we don’t need that. We need you to put that energy what you have for offense and into defense,” he told The Athletic on Monday. “I just started looking in the mirror and said, ‘Yo bro, … you’re not that guy. You don’t need to be on this team doing that at all. This team, you came here to be the effort guy and close out possessions, rebound. Run the damn floor hard as hell, make bigs work, make superstars work.'”

He further admitted, “And I’m having fun with it, I’m not gonna lie.” Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton has become a game-changer for the Los Angeles Lakers as the postseason approaches. However, his journey has been uneven. But amidst all the upgrades and rediscovery, JJ Redick’s voice has been the loudest in the practice sessions and in the locker room.

“JJ’s been instilling to us that this is a playoff atmosphere, and we fighting for a playoff position,” Ayton added. “You can tell LeBron’s been locked in, Luka — everybody’s been completely locked in, and I’m just tired of being the odd man out. I think I told the media the other day, it’s just me finally catching up. Team’s been there; it’s just been me.”

The sophomore head coach isn’t always the easiest one in the room to deal with. He never shies away from calling out his boys in blowout losses. He never sugarcoats the loopholes; however, Redick always backs the team before the media. But his approach with Ayton wasn’t kind. He was blunt and honest, so much so that his words made an impact.

Deandre Ayton is catching up with the Lakers

After a tough night against the Denver Nuggets early in March, Deandre Ayton made a quiet promise to himself. He chose purpose over pressure. He chose impact over doubt. Since then, his focus has shifted toward winning plays and meaningful minutes. However, his journey has not been smooth, as rhythm and confidence have come and gone while the Los Angeles Lakers search for balance.

Then came Monday’s clash with the Houston Rockets. Early on, Clint Capela looked sharper. With the rebounds slipping away, JJ Redick had to make adjustments.  Ayton returned and delivered. Like his strong outings against the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver, he stayed ready.

Scoring-wise, Deandre Ayton is lagging behind his fellow teammates like Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But, rebounds… that’s his area of expertise. DA is slowly owning the glass for the Lakers. He has averaged 29 minutes, 1.8 points, and a commanding 10 rebounds in the last five games. Alongside 67.5% FG and 35.7% FT. Moreover, his 1 assist, 0.4 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 0.6 turnovers show balance. Therefore, his rebounding fuels second chances and stabilizes the team’s entire rhythm.

So, here is the plot twist the Lakers needed all along. Deandre Ayton is finally leaning into the chaos and owning his lane. Meanwhile, JJ Redick keeps pushing, sharp and relentless. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers are finding edge, grit, and rhythm. And now, Ayton is no longer catching up; he is arriving.