Lakers' JJ Redick admits major flaw exposed by Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton that's costing wins

The Lakers’ slow start and Deandre Ayton’s quiet debut signal early chemistry issues; punters may favor Golden State in short-term lines or back the Lakers’ team total under until Ayton asserts himself on the boards and rim protection. Expect Ayton-focused prop bets (rebounds/blocks) to be safer value than team spread bets right now.

Lakers’ Opener Exposes Early-Season Chemistry Problems

The Los Angeles Lakers stumbled in their season opener against the Golden State Warriors, falling short as new additions failed to sync with established stars. The loss highlighted a lack of on-court connectivity that coach JJ Redick described as the team not yet having a “connective brain tissue.” The Warriors’ continuity stood in sharp contrast, underscoring how much work the Lakers must do to build trust and timing.

Deandre Ayton’s Quiet Debut Draws Public Criticism

New signing Deandre Ayton, who arrived off a strong preseason, struggled to make a tangible impact in the opener. Former Laker Shaquille O’Neal delivered a blunt message: “Listen Deandre, dominAyton, that performance yesterday, I need you to step it up my boy. You got to do three things. You got to rebound and you got to block shots and you got to dominate... We need you brother, we need you to step it up.”

Turnovers and Pick-and-Roll Confusion

Austin Reaves acknowledged he bore responsibility for some turnovers, saying he made the “wrong pass at the right time” in two-man actions with the new center. Ayton admitted he may be a “confusing” pick-and-roll target as the pairing adjusts, reinforcing the idea that timing and reads remain works in progress.

Coaching Perspective: Patience and Progress

Coach JJ Redick stressed that chemistry, not talent, is the immediate issue. He contrasted the Warriors’ seamless cohesion with his own roster’s early-stage unfamiliarity, but expressed confidence the Lakers will develop that connectivity over time.

Outlook: Plenty of Season Left, But Early Fixes Needed

With most of the regular season ahead, there’s room for improvement. The immediate focus will be speeding up on-court familiarity, clarifying pick-and-roll roles, and getting Ayton to assert himself on rebounds and rim protection. How quickly those fixes come will determine whether the Lakers can stabilize results and fulfill preseason expectations.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn't shy away from what is going to be the unavoidable problem early on in the season.

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