JJ Redick Questions Deandre Ayton After Lakers Rout

The Lakers were pummeled 123-87 by the Thunder without LeBron, Luka and Austin Reaves, and coach JJ Redick zeroed in on Deandre Ayton’s struggles, saying, "He's having trouble catching the ball." Ayton finished with three points, three rebounds and 23 minutes as he slides to career lows in points, boards and minutes after signing a two-year, $16.21 million deal intended to fix L.A.’s interior woes. Merlin senses a familiar riddle. Once a No. 1 pick who averaged double-doubles, Ayton now delivers uneven, sometimes "empty" numbers and draws effort questions. The Lakers lack a better center right now, so his lapses get exposed whenever stars rest or miss time. If Ayton cannot reclaim consistent positioning and hands, Los Angeles risks another short postseason.