LeBron James, JJ Redick Praise Deandre Ayton After Late Surge Lifts Lakers Over Rockets
lebron-james-jj-redick-praise-deandre-ayton-after-lakers-rally-past-rockets
HOUSTON — A long stint on the bench did not stop Deandre Ayton from becoming the difference-maker in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 100-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Toyota Center.
The starting center was removed with 4:55 left in the third quarter as the Lakers trailed 72-68. He stayed out for more than 12 minutes of game time before head coach JJ Redick sent him back in at the 4:52 mark of the fourth. Los Angeles was down 88-87 when Ayton rejoined a group that eventually featured Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and, moments later, LeBron James.
Ayton responded with five rebounds — four on the offensive glass — the go-ahead basket and two late hook shots to secure the win. “He was amazing,” James told Spectrum SportsNet. “He was sitting for so long and stayed locked in. He got a tip dunk, a couple jump hooks and key rebounds. He helped us finish the game.”
Redick’s Decision Pays Off
Redick said the coaching staff debated who would be the fifth player to close the game. “We all recognized he hadn’t played in a significant portion of the game,” Redick explained on Spectrum SportsNet. “I was pretty adamant that I wanted him in. Greg [St. Jean] went over to make sure he was ready. His offensive rebounding and those buckets down the stretch were huge.”
The late burst answered season-long questions about Ayton’s consistency and focus. Instead of disengaging after the extended bench time, the 7-footer delivered exactly what the Lakers needed.
Playoff-Style Finish
James called the defensive-minded contest “playoff basketball,” noting that Los Angeles relied on stops rather than offense to close out Houston. The Lakers will aim to replicate that formula as the postseason approaches.
Source: Lakers Nation
