Deandre Ayton Credits JJ Redick For Lakers' Success Despite Top Stars Missing Games

Eight games into the 2025-26 season, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in third place in the Western Conference standings. While a number of factors have contributed to their solid 6-2 start, Deandre Ayton gave credit to one man in particular.

After the Lakers’ 123-115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, Ayton praised head coach JJ Redick for establishing the mindset of playing hard despite missed games from top stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

“Starting in training camp, [we’re] really just going as hard as we can and JJ not giving a crap who’s out there,” Ayton told reporters in the post-game media session. “He wants to play Laker basketball, man.”

Ayton, who led the Lakers with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks in the win over Portland, expressed his trust in his 41-year-old mentor. “JJ’s been in this game for a while, and he’s won in this game for a while. Anything he says, we can trust it.”

With the Lakers already feeling the impact of the injury bug in the early goings of the season, Redick’s leadership has been nothing short of instrumental. Shortly before the season began, the Lakers had to rethink their Xs and Os after James was confirmed to be sidelined due to nerve issues. Doncic has also missed time due to finger and leg injuries, and Gabe Vincent isn’t expected to return from his ankle injury till next week.

On Monday, Redick fielded a starting lineup without Most Improved Player candidate Austin Reaves, who is dealing with groin issues. Still, Ayton stepped up with a double-double and Rui Hachimura turned in 28 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting from the field. Off the bench, guard Nick Smith Jr. contributed 25 points and six assists.

After eight games, the Lakers find themselves in the same position at the end of the 2024-25 season: in third place amidst an absolutely stacked Western Conference. Whether they can sustain this advantageous spot in the standings, of course, is another story. At the very least, Redick can bank on the fact that he has earned the trust of his 7-foot big man.