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For most of this season so far, Deandre Ayton has played well in multiple ways for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has supplied them with plenty of easy baskets in the paint, as well as a legitimate rebounding threat and, at times, a rim protector.
But his offensive production has dipped lately. He has scored fewer than 12 points in each of his last four games, and in Friday's 128-121 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, he had just four points and four field-goal attempts.
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Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged that Ayton is likely "frustrated" about not getting the basketball in scoring position as much as he would like, and he said the team needs to get Ayton the ball more often.
“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.
“... I think we gotta start the game trying to at least get him a couple of touches by the seven-minute mark.”
Ayton's rebounding has also dwindled lately -- he has gotten six or fewer boards in four of his last five games, and Redick said it has something to do with the center not getting enough touches.
“I think most guys … you don't feel like you're getting the ball, the rest of your focus wanes a little. I think that's human nature for most NBA players.”
A good amount of Ayton's points come on lob passes and fast breaks or early offense. The easiest way for Los Angeles to get him more involved and allow him to stack up more points is to have him run the floor consistently and peg the ball ahead to him in transition.
The team will host the Memphis Grizzlies again on Sunday before visiting the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick: Deandre Ayton is 'frustrated' about lack of shot attempts
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