This article was originally published on hoopshabit.com as Lakers are finally learning why Suns and Blazers felt fine letting Deandre Ayton go. The Lakers hoped Deandre Ayton would look different in their environment. With more structure and higher stakes, the belief was that his talent would finally translate into consistent impact.

Defense often decides close games, especially late in the fourth quarter. On January 9, 2026, one short moment stood out during a tight night for the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving fans focused less on the score and more on the effort inside the paint.

During a media session, JJ Redick candidly spoke about how Deandre Ayton’s frustration seems to be affecting his on-court impact, while sharing that responsibility for the situation falls on both the player and the team. The Los Angeles Lakers have faced ...