Game 3 between the Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder produced an image that was hard to forget: JJ Redick turning toward his coaching staff with a look of pure frustration.
I can’t play him
JJ Redick
The message was directed at Deandre Ayton. The context? A fourth quarter in which the Lakers center gifted offensive rebounds to the opposition as if it were a summer pickup game.
It all happened while the Lakers were desperately trying to stay within reach after another devastating third-quarter run by Oklahoma City. Ayton gave up two offensive rebounds on the same possession: first Ajay Mitchell tracked down a loose ball after a miss, then Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed another second-chance board. Redick turned back toward the bench visibly furious.
The incredible part? The coach still left him on the floor for one more possession. The predictable result: another offensive rebound allowedfollowed by a foul on Mitchell for a three-point play. Only then was Ayton finally subbed out.
Speaking to reporters in a recent interview, Redick chose his words carefully:
I’ve been close to DA for a season now. I know how special he is to our group. I told him this morning – just like I told him during the Houston series – that at one point he was one of the main reasons we were winning. I believe in him, and he’ll help us win Game 4
JJ Redick
The problem the Lakers can’t solve
Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have dominated the Lakers frontcourt throughout the series. Oklahoma City finished Game 3 with 64 points in the paint and forced 17 turnoverscontrolling every loose-ball situation.
Ayton’s issue, however, goes beyond this series. Throughout his career, the talent has never been in question: 7-foot frame, elite athleticism, soft touch around the rim. But consistency, intensity, and physicality in decisive moments continue to be missing when the stakes matter most. It is a story NBA fans know by heart, and one that is repeating itself at the worst possible time.
With the Lakers season on the edge and no win in sight, Redick will need answers quickly. Based on what unfolded Saturday night, he may have to find them elsewhere.
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