It took one strong response for Deandre Ayton to show why the Los Angeles Lakers are still going to need him in the lineup. After being benched late against the Memphis Grizzlies and questioned for his lack of impact, Ayton came right back and delivered a performance that underlined how valuable he can be when he is involved.
Ayton’s struggles over the past stretch were not subtle, especially on the glass. His rebounding dipped, his energy wavered, and his presence faded for long stretches. It reached a breaking point on Jan. 3, when JJ Redick chose to sit him in the fourth quarter against the Grizzlies.
Ayton finished that game with just four points and six rebounds in 25 minutes, a line that reflected how disconnected he looked.
Afterward, Redick did not hide what he believed was happening. Ayton needs touches. When he is part of the offense, he stays engaged everywhere else. Redick described it as human nature, and the season-long numbers back him up.
There is a clear pattern. In 11 of Ayton’s 12 double-doubles this season, he attempted double-digit shots. When he feels involved early, his rebounding intensity rises, his defensive timing improves, and he plays with purpose. When those touches disappear, so does his impact.
Early involvement drives performance
The Lakers gave him a chance to respond in the rematch with Memphis, and this time they made a point of keeping him involved. Ayton was active from the opening tip, got early looks, and never drifted out of the game.
He finished Sunday night with 15 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and a steal while shooting 75 percent from the field. He doubled his shot attempts from the previous meeting and made them count. The stat line was not explosive, but it was steady, controlled, and effective.
That stability mattered. After surrendering 65 points in the first half, the Lakers locked in on defense and held Memphis to 49 in the second half. Ayton’s rim protection and presence helped fuel a 120–114 win and complete the season sweep against Memphis.
This was not about Ayton suddenly becoming a different player. It was about the Lakers using him the right way. They do not need him to dominate possessions. They need him engaged.
With LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves driving the offense, Ayton’s touches will always come at a premium. But when he gets them, the difference is obvious. One good game did not erase the struggles, but it clearly showed why Deandre Ayton still matters to this team.