The Los Angeles Lakers signed Deandre Ayton to be their starting center, but head coach JJ Redick has to balance his playing time versus going small.
The five-man group of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Dorian Finney-Smith had an 18.6 net rating in 108 regular-season minutes last season. It was significantly higher than any of the seven Lakers groups that played 50-plus minutes. Luka wants a lob threat in the middle, but the Lakers had success going playing five-out.
Redick has a rotation dilemma on his hands. Jaxson Hayes may not crack the nightly mix, so the Lakers will have minutes of playing small in nearly every game. How often does Redick lean into five-out looks over keeping Ayton in the middle? That is a decision that may not be made until opening night.
Ayton has consistently played around 30 minutes per game in his seven-year NBA career. If the Lakers want more center play, they must rely on him more. The addition has Redick contemplating how to maximize this roster and who replaces Finney-Smith when LA downsizes.
Deandre Ayton has the Lakers rethinking their rotation
Ayton appears locked into the starting five next to Luka, LeBron, and Reaves. The fifth spot is a competition between Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura. The Lakers need perimeter defense in their opening group, but Smart’s minutes should be monitored closely. Redick and his staff must manage that situation.
The easiest way to keep the sixth man happy is to guarantee him more minutes by going small in the second unit. Hachimura could come off the bench, but get playing time as the five. If that lineup is cooking, expect Redick to ride the hot hand and extend Rui’s minutes.
Ayton will be a must for 35 minutes in certain matchups. The Lakers do not want Hachimura or James guarding Alperen Sengun or Joel Embiid. The seven-footer will get more run on those nights, but what about when the opposition leans into small ball? Ayton doesn’t always dominate mismatches, which could open the door for LA to downsize.
Coach Redick has a ton to figure out. He is implementing three new role players in his first offseason scheme around a Luka Doncic-led attack. It could change the way the Lakers play and will certainly alter the amount of small-ball lineups used. Fans should be watching closely during training camp to see if they can spot the differences with Ayton on their roster.
This is a make-or-break season for the 27-year-old big man. Ayton was bought out by the Blazers and is fighting for another gigantic contract in the 2026 offseason. He must prove he can impact winning and is willing to play a role. The answers to those questions will also play a factor in his minutes.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a crucial training camp. They want to be a serious title contender with Luka Doncic and LeBron James leading their roster.
It is why they signed Deandre Ayton, but the big man has the coaching staff reimagining the entire rotation. Expect the Lakers to go small and play Ayton. It is on coach Redick to find the right mix, which is certainly easier said than done.
