Deandre Ayton didn’t just have a good night - he had a historic one. In the Lakers’ win over the Toronto Raptors, the big man went a perfect 10-for-10 from the field, becoming just the third player in franchise history to shoot 100% on at least 10 attempts. He finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and more importantly, he made his presence felt on both ends of the floor.
This was one of Ayton’s most complete performances of the season, and head coach JJ Redick didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Yeah, he was phenomenal,” Redick said postgame. “He’s had a number of these games where he scores efficiently, but really just from a production standpoint - 20-plus points, 10-plus rebounds - that’s huge for our team.
Especially against teams that red. That’s where I thought he really made a difference today.”
Redick highlighted a few early missed opportunities to get Ayton involved - a lob that was too high, a seal that didn’t result in a clean entry pass - but what stood out was how the team kept trusting him. And Ayton responded by making tough catches in traffic, staying composed, and finishing strong around the rim.
The Lakers made a concerted effort to feed Ayton early and often, and Redick emphasized that this needs to be a consistent part of their offensive identity. For players like Ayton - who do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work like screening, rolling, and protecting the paint - getting rewarded with touches helps keep them engaged and energized.
“There’s a trust level that I think exists with our guys, particularly when he’s in that short-roll area,” Redick explained. “That’s our post spacing - where he can get those little dump-off passes around the restricted area. He’s just got such a great touch.”
Redick went on to make an important point about the psychology of the game. Even defensive-minded players, even the ones who aren’t focal points on offense, want to feel involved. And for bigs, who are constantly setting screens and rolling hard without always seeing the ball, those occasional touches matter.
“As a big, you’re involved in a lot of plays where you don’t touch the ball,” Redick said. “You’re doing a lot, and you don’t always get rewarded. I think it’s important that we continue to look for him.”
That trust and ball movement make the Lakers a more connected team - and when everyone feels involved, it shows up in the energy, especially on the defensive end. Ayton’s effort around the rim, his ability to finish in traffic, and his presence on the glass were all difference-makers in this one. But it’s the team’s commitment to keeping him engaged that could turn performances like this from occasional flashes into a regular part of the Lakers’ game plan.
And it’s not just Ayton who’s earning praise for embracing the dirty work. Redick also pointed out Jarred Vanderbilt’s recent stretch, calling the defensive-minded forward a “star in his role.” Vanderbilt’s hustle, defensive versatility, and willingness to do the little things have been vital to the Lakers’ recent success - and it’s clear Redick values those contributions just as much as the box score stuff.
In a league where stars get the spotlight, nights like this are a reminder that role players - when empowered and trusted - can swing games. Ayton did that in a big way against the Raptors, and if the Lakers keep feeding him, they might just unlock a new level of balance in their offense.