Los Angeles — Lakers head coach JJ Redick credited Deandre Ayton’s “thankless” work despite the center’s limited box-score impact in Tuesday’s Game 2 win over Houston. Ayton finished with six points and watched the final five minutes from the bench while backup Jaxson Hayes closed out the victory.
Redick told reporters Thursday that Ayton’s value lies in screens, defensive switches and boxing out, adding, “When he does what we ask him to do, he should get all the praise in the world.” The coach explained that sitting Ayton late was purely a tactical decision after Hayes found a rhythm. “You didn’t do anything wrong,” Redick said he told Ayton. “A group was winning, and Jaxson was doing a great job. We can’t win at the level we want without those two guys playing great.”
Doncic Misses Out on MVP Finalist Spot
Although Luka Doncic met the league’s 65-game requirement to remain award-eligible, the Lakers star did not land among the top three in MVP voting. Speaking before Game 2, Redick voiced disappointment, attributing the outcome to “media momentum” favoring other candidates. Still, he acknowledged that each finalist had “a strong case.”
Smart Rewarding Lakers’ Off-Season Gamble
Marcus Smart’s injury history limited him to 54 regular-season appearances over the previous two years, but Los Angeles signed the veteran guard last summer. Redick said defensive metrics and secondary-playmaking data made the organization comfortable with the move. Smart, now starring in the postseason, called the chance to “redeem myself” the best possible feeling.
Coaching Edge and Reaves Injury Update
The Los Angeles Times observed that the Lakers appeared better-prepared than Houston through the first two games, bolstering the case for Redick as a playoff-ready coach. Meanwhile, guard Austin Reaves, sidelined since April 2 by a strained oblique, is listed as questionable for tonight’s Game 3. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Reaves is pushing to return; if not in Game 3, the team hopes to have him back for Game 4.
Game 3 of the first-round series is set for Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, with the Lakers holding a 2-0 lead.
Source: Hoops Rumors
