Overview
- Ayton, criticized Tuesday for having trouble catching the ball, scored 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting Thursday in a 119-103 win over the Warriors.
- Udonis Haslem told him on the NBA on Prime broadcast, “You are still that guy,” urging him to keep his confidence in a different role.
- Ayton said he welcomes JJ Redick’s call-outs and takes pride in fixing effort plays that can drag down the team.
- Redick praised Ayton’s third-quarter surge and said the team targeted post actions as Draymond Green overhelped, freeing Ayton for high-efficiency touch shots.
- With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined, Ayton’s aggression matters more, and the Lakers are 12-1 when he scores at least 20 points.