With the Los Angeles Lakers suddenly without their top two offensive engines, coach JJ Redick is turning to a different solution — one that could reshape the team’s offense at a critical point in the season.
As Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain sidelined, Redick indicated that Deandre Ayton will take on a significantly expanded role, both in touches and play design.
“We’re going to D will get some touches that he probably hasn’t gotten for most of the season,” Redick said. “Will get more plays called for him… so it’s not just the burden is not going to just be on LeBron to create all the offense.”
The shift comes as the Lakers adjust to losing 56.8 points per game from their lineup, forcing a redistribution of responsibilities across the roster.
Lakers Center Positioned for Bigger Offensive Role
GettyDeandre Ayton will have an expanded role amid the Los Angeles Lakers’ mounting injuries.
Redick emphasized that the Lakers will rely on a “ball handling by committee” approach, with multiple players stepping into roles they have not consistently held this season.
“Certain guys are going to be tasked with doing stuff they haven’t done a lot of this year,” Redick said. “Ball handling being one of that.”
While that approach spreads playmaking duties, Ayton’s increased involvement signals a clear strategic pivot — one that leans more heavily on interior scoring and efficiency.
Ayton showed signs of that potential in Tuesday’s 127-113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, finishing with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting along with nine rebounds in 28 minutes.
It marked his best scoring performance since March 12 and suggested he may be rounding into form after dealing with a back issue that sidelined him and limited his minutes in recent games.
Ayton Gets Chance to Prove His Worth After Past Frustrations
The increased opportunity also comes after earlier tension regarding Ayton’s role.
In February, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Ayton voiced frustration about how he was being utilized within the Lakers’ system.
“When he was finished speaking to the group, Ayton made his way back toward the showers and said what he really felt — loud enough for anyone still in the locker room to hear,” McMenamin wrote. “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said. “I’m not no Clint Capela.”
Capela has built his career as a rim-running, screen-setting lob threat — a role the Lakers had often leaned on at the center position. Ayton’s resistance to being limited to that archetype raised questions about fit earlier in the season.
Now, with Doncic and Reaves out, the Lakers are shifting toward a more expanded offensive role for Ayton — one that could allow him to validate those earlier concerns.
Production Has Fluctuated, Impact Remains Clear
Ayton’s production in March was inconsistent, averaging 11.1 points and 7.8 rebounds over 15 appearances. However, he remained highly efficient, shooting 73.3% from the field during that stretch.
More telling than his averages are the team’s results when he is actively involved.
Los Angeles is:
- 31–9 when Ayton records at least eight rebounds
- 26–9 when he attempts at least eight shots
- 23–6 when he reaches both thresholds
Those numbers underscore Ayton’s importance: when he stays engaged offensively and on the glass, the Lakers become a significantly more difficult team to beat.
“That guy right there is the X factor,” Reaves said earlier this season, via ESPN. “He changes our ceiling.”
Opportunity Comes at Critical Time
The opportunity for Ayton comes at a pivotal moment.
In the Lakers’ 136-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder — the game in which both Doncic and Reaves suffered their injuries — Ayton struggled to make an impact, finishing with eight points and one rebound in 20 minutes.
Now, with the offensive structure shifting, the expectation is that Ayton will become a more consistent focal point, particularly in half-court sets.
His size, finishing ability and rebounding presence provide an alternative scoring option for a team that has heavily relied on perimeter creation.
Lakers Seek Balance Without Overloading LeBron
The increased role for Ayton also aligns with Redick’s broader goal of avoiding excessive strain on LeBron James.
Rather than placing the full burden on James, the Lakers are looking to diversify their offense and create multiple points of attack.
That balance could prove critical as the team fights to maintain its playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference.
Stretch Run Could Define Ayton’s Impact
As the regular season winds down, Ayton’s performance may ultimately determine how far the Lakers can go without their full roster.
He has already demonstrated the ability to dominate games when engaged — controlling the paint, finishing efficiently and creating second-chance opportunities.
Now, with more touches and a clearly defined role, the Lakers will be looking for that version of Ayton to emerge consistently.
If it does, they may find a way to stay competitive — and potentially unlock a new dimension of their offense — even under difficult circumstances.
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