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Deandre Ayton Shines as Lakers Beat Grizzlies

Posted : 05 January 2026

After being benched in the fourth quarter on Friday and finishing with just four points and six rebounds, Deandre Ayton entered Sunday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies determined to make an impact.

Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed that Ayton was frustrated with his limited role but planned to involve him more early in the game.

 The strategy paid off, as Ayton finished with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, grabbed eight rebounds, blocked three shots, and played a key role in holding Memphis to just 36.2% shooting in the second half.

From the opening tip, the Lakers ran plays specifically for Ayton. He opened the scoring with a spinning nine-foot turnaround hook shot, followed shortly by a dunk off a Luka Doncic assist, finishing a possession against Jaren Jackson Jr. Redick praised Ayton’s performance, noting the importance of big men receiving the ball to feel connected to the offense. "It's a tale as old as time for a big guy," he said.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic orchestrated the Lakers’ offense, combining for points or assists on 100 of the team’s 120 total. Their chemistry was on full display, as they shared the ball 15 times in the fourth quarter, tied for their most passes together in a single fourth quarter this season.

 Despite their dominance, James made it a point to involve Ayton. "I'm always looking for DA," he said. "We were able to make the adjustments and get him more involved." Ayton’s early touches and defensive presence, including two fourth-quarter blocks, helped solidify the Lakers’ comeback victory in a game that resembled playoff intensity.

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