JJ Redick: DeAndre Ayton Needed To Fix Lakers Offense

Merlin sees Lakers coach JJ Redick admitting "I don't know what else to do" as Los Angeles slips to two wins in six and has been outscored by 84 points in four losses. Redick described players not following directions in practice and said only four of a dozen plays were run correctly after a timeout in the 128-121 win over Memphis. DeAndre Ayton has not scored more than 12 points in five straight starts and Redick called him "frustrated" and in need of earlier touches. With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out, the next game is suddenly more urgent. Merlin senses a holiday lull and a trust gap between passers and the post. Redick wants Ayton to "be active, and engaged, and assertive" and to get touches before the seven-minute mark. If the Lakers can translate simple play calls into cleaner execution and restore Ayton's confidence, the offense can rebound quickly. If not, the slump could deepen.