Redick Says Ayton Wasn’t Benched for Mistakes as Lakers Ride Hot Hand at Center

The coach’s stance signals performance-based rotations that could shape DeAndre Ayton’s role.

Overview

Redick told reporters Thursday that DeAndre Ayton “didn’t do anything wrong” and that Jaxson Hayes stayed on to close because he was playing well.
In Game 2 on Tuesday, Ayton logged 6 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes and checked out for good with 5:05 left of a 101-94 win over Houston.
Redick praised Ayton’s second-half defense and his “thankless” work setting screens, switching on the perimeter, and boxing out for rebounds.
Reporting points to a hot-hand approach at center, with Ayton continuing to start while Hayes can keep late-game minutes if he changes the flow.
The series moves to Houston with Los Angeles up 2-0, and Ayton’s postseason carries contract stakes because he can opt out of his two-year deal this summer.