Saturday, July 26, 2025
Home Basketball "Fantastic at punishing mismatches": When Lakers coach JJ Redick couldn't stop raving...

“Fantastic at punishing mismatches”: When Lakers coach JJ Redick couldn’t stop raving about FA target Deandre Ayton in 2022 

Deandre Ayton being waived by the Portland Trail Blazers has been one of the biggest stories of the free agency so far. The big man was released from the team on Monday and has subsequently been heavily linked with the LA Lakers. In light of his possible move to Los Angeles, a clip from 2022 of Lakers coach JJ Redick praising Ayton has resurfaced.

Ad

The video showed Redick on a panel alongside Patrick Beverly and Stephen A. Smith, as they discussed Ayton’s potential. Their discussion stemmed from his performances in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks.

In the series, Deandre Ayton faced his fellow draft classmate Luka Doncic and was eliminated in seven games, as the Suns were ousted in the semi-finals a year after reaching the NBA Finals. The panel was divided when speaking of the center, with Beverly and Smith seemingly unimpressed with his performance.

Ad

However, Redick was seen defending Ayton passionately, and couldn't stop raving about his "fantastic" qualities:

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

"Ayton's fantastic. He's fantastic at punishing mismatches in the two-man pick-and-roll with him and CP. They're the number one offensive doer among high-volume pick-and-roll players, so he is fantastic."

Ad

Redick praising Ayton's game years before moving into a coaching role makes his links to the Lakers more promising. Los Angeles needs a star center since Anthony Davis moved to Dallas, and the former Suns star could be an answer to that problem.

Furthermore, his link-up with Doncic could revitalize both their careers, as the Lakers hope to build a championship roster around LeBron James.

Report claims Deandre Ayton's "tantrums" were a reason behind Portland waiver

Selected No. 1 overall in the 2018 draft, Deandre Ayton was projected for great things in the NBA. Although playing an instrumental role in the Suns' NBA Finals run in 2021, he has been a shadow of his former self since then. Moved out of Phoenix after a reported confrontation with coach Monty Williams in 2022, the center's exit from Portland seems to be due to similar reasons.

Ad

According to a report from The Athletic, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups grew tired of Ayton's "bad ways." The center was reportedly unpunctual for practice and team flights, and often skipped rehabilitation appointments. Additionally, his behavior after being dropped was another issue with the big man throwing fits in the locker room, according to team sources.

All of these traits were supposedly enough for Portland to waive him from the team, as they look to build their roster around young talents.

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Veer Badani
RELATED ARTICLES

“No one can dance like Michael Jackson” – De’Aaron Fox crowns Kyrie Irving as NBA’s ultimate ball handler with striking comparison

It is not uncommon for great NBA players like Kyrie Irving to receive praise from his peers. The Irving has received praise from many stars during his career, and De'Aaron Fox is the latest basketball star to do so. Ad On Friday, Fox appeared as a guest on FanDuel's FantaSea event, where he gave his

Shaq’s ex-wife ‘liking’ video roasting him for his Megan Thee Stallion-Klay Thompson romance prediction has Gilbert Arenas cracking up

Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, had Gilbert Arenas cracking up after reacting to his post on Instagram. The LA Lakers legend addressed Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion's relationship, giving them a 6-week expiration date. Ad Gilbert Arenas reacted to O’Neal's assessment in a video shared on Instagram this Tuesday. Arenas went at O’Neal in

“Snitches never prosper” – Nick Young takes jab at D’Angelo Russell after woman leaks alleged DMs exposing ex-Laker

D'Angelo Russell might find himself in big trouble after a woman leaked a series of text messages exchanged between her and another person, whom she alleged to be Russell. Amidst all the chaos that Russell might find himself in, former NBA player Nick Young was delighted. Ad The woman, who goes by the name "Jaw

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

“No one can dance like Michael Jackson” – De’Aaron Fox crowns Kyrie Irving as NBA’s ultimate ball handler with striking comparison

It is not uncommon for great NBA players like Kyrie Irving to receive praise from his peers. The Irving has received praise from many stars during his career, and De'Aaron Fox is the latest basketball star to do so. Ad On Friday, Fox appeared as a guest on FanDuel's FantaSea event, where he gave his

Shaq’s ex-wife ‘liking’ video roasting him for his Megan Thee Stallion-Klay Thompson romance prediction has Gilbert Arenas cracking up

Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, had Gilbert Arenas cracking up after reacting to his post on Instagram. The LA Lakers legend addressed Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion's relationship, giving them a 6-week expiration date. Ad Gilbert Arenas reacted to O’Neal's assessment in a video shared on Instagram this Tuesday. Arenas went at O’Neal in

Canadian Open 2025: Men’s singles draw analysis, preview and prediction ft. Ben Shelton-Frances Tiafoe QF, Alexander Zverev-Lorenzo Musetti SF

The men's singles draw of the National Bank Open in Toronto (Canadian Open) was released on Friday, July 25. The Masters 1000 tournament will kick off on July 26 and last till August 7. Ad Alexander Zverev has clinched the top spot in the draw and will hope to channel his 2017 form, where he

“Snitches never prosper” – Nick Young takes jab at D’Angelo Russell after woman leaks alleged DMs exposing ex-Laker

D'Angelo Russell might find himself in big trouble after a woman leaked a series of text messages exchanged between her and another person, whom she alleged to be Russell. Amidst all the chaos that Russell might find himself in, former NBA player Nick Young was delighted. Ad The woman, who goes by the name "Jaw

Recent Comments