UPDATE: The Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 120-114 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 25, 2023, with Deandre Ayton playing a pivotal role. After facing criticism for his limited involvement in the previous game, Ayton rebounded strongly to finish with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
In a pre-game announcement, Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed the team’s strategy to integrate Ayton more actively into the offense. “Bigs can’t feed themselves,” Ayton remarked post-game, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. The Lakers executed their plan effectively, calling their first play for Ayton, who responded with an impressive spinning turnaround hook shot.
Ayton’s performance was instrumental in the Lakers’ defense, helping limit the Grizzlies to just 36.2% shooting in the second half. His early contributions set the tone for the game and showcased his ability to bounce back after being benched previously.
Both Luka Doncic and LeBron James were crucial in orchestrating the Lakers’ offense, scoring or assisting on an astounding 100 of L.A.’s points. The duo displayed their chemistry by passing to each other 15 times in the fourth quarter alone, a season-high for their tandem.
James expressed his commitment to involving Ayton, stating, “I’m always looking for DA. It’s unfortunate what happened last game, but we made the adjustments.” This proactive approach underlines the Lakers’ strategy to ensure all players are engaged, a shift from the previous match where Ayton had only 2 attempts.
Redick acknowledged the psychological impact of offensive involvement on players, particularly for big men like Ayton. “It is human nature for a big man’s effort to wane if he doesn’t feel involved offensively,” he explained.
As the Lakers gear up for their next matches, the focus will remain on maintaining this synergy and ensuring that every player, especially Ayton, has a crucial role. The upcoming games will test their ability to sustain this momentum and defend their standing in the league.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Lakers continue their season, looking to build on this crucial win.
