Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick credited center Deandre Ayton for sparking a second-half defensive turnaround that sealed a narrow victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on December 7, 2025, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
The Lakers surrendered 60 points before halftime but clamped down after the break, eking out the win behind Ayton’s interior presence and LeBron James’ late-game scoring. “We gave up 60 points in the first half, and then to come back in the second half and defend the way we did was awesome,” Redick told Spectrum SportsNet. “DA led on that end—he was in drop, getting loose balls, blocking shots, even switching onto Tyrese Maxey. Whatever we needed, he delivered.”
Ayton, signed by Los Angeles after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, faced the demanding assignment of guarding reigning MVP Joel Embiid while also patrolling the paint. The 7-footer used his length and mobility to alter shots and collect key rebounds, reinforcing a roster that struggled with interior size during last season’s playoff exit.
Through the opening quarter of the 2025-26 campaign, the Lakers sit tied for second place in the Western Conference. Ayton’s two-way production has been central to the fast start, and the former No. 1 overall pick has expressed satisfaction with the club’s progress.
While Los Angeles remains a middle-of-the-pack defensive team statistically, Redick said Ayton’s adaptability in multiple coverages offers optimism for continued improvement as the season unfolds.
Source: Lakers Nation
