JJ Redick hit Deandre Ayton with a big dosage of tough love after a lousy performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this week. The starting center responded perfectly with 21 points in the Los Angeles Lakers' comfortable 119-103 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Given the strong outing, Ayton was someone the NBA on Prime crew wanted to talk to after the victory. It was there that former 20-year veteran Udonis Haslem offered the juxtaposing approach to what Redick had given his starting center.
"I read a statement that you made a few weeks ago, and I understand ... but I want you to know that you are still that guy. You have to shift your focus a little bit, and there's other things that you have to do to help this team win, but you are still that guy, and it's just in a different role."
Haslem's message was referring back to the self-actualization Ayton had earlier this season. The former Miami Heat lifer thought the Lakers center just got it a touch wrong. The current NBA analyst wanted to ensure Ayton still carried that confidence with him, and did not back off that, but had his focus about him to star in the role that was demanded of him from Los Angeles.
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Haslem tried to ensure Ayton really knew what he was saying. He added a point about LeBron James as the example to follow.
James was more than willing to take a back seat as the third option in the Lakers offense. However, when the moment called for it, LeBron immediately laced up his basketball shoes and started playing first option hoops yet again. Haslem highlighted the confidence of the Lakers' aging star was unlikely to have wavered at any point. The self-belief was always there.
Perhaps Haslem was making his case for a future coaching position here, because the guidance was endless from the former NBA champion.
Haslem talked to Ayton about all the ways he can still get his scoring and buckets without needing to rely on the Lakers to feed him in the post. Consistently rolling to the basket, fighting for offensive rebounds, the little things — these were all ways to create extra opportunities and points.
One would have to imagine if Redick comes across the segment here at any point, the Lakers coach may have a gift basket on the way to Haslem's house. At the very least, a text message with a "thank you" would not hurt.
Haslem really went out of his way to ensure Ayton knew he was indeed that guy, just in a different role than the one he may have imagined himself in earlier. If the wise words from the former pro land, all of Los Angeles will owe a debt of gratitude to Haslem for it.