What JJ Redick said about Deandre Ayton years ago shows he will make him a star on the LA Lakers

JJ Redick had high praise for Deandre Ayton in 2022

Years before JJ Redick became the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, he was an analyst on ESPN. And some of his comments during his tenure there have recently resurfaced.

He praised Deandre Ayton for being fantastic, and one of the best pick-and-roll bigs in the NBA, even pointing to the statistics of him and Chris Paul together to back his argument up.

“Ayton’s fantastic. He’s fantastic at punishing mismatches. In the two-man pick-and-roll with him and [Chris Paul], they’re the No. 1 offensive duo among high-volume pick-and-roll players… So he is fantastic.”

If Redick was being earnest in his praise for Ayton, then the Lakers’ head coach knows exactly what the formula for success will be for Ayton.

LA Lakers must bring out the best in Deandre Ayton

The LA Lakers are signing Deandre Ayton primarily because their other options got snapped up by other teams.

And with Ayton comes his demons. Ayton’s lack of discipline is well-known, and the Lakers have to make sure he doesn’t succumb to his old ways.

JJ Redick has shown he is a great motivator for players. He must do some of his best work with Ayton to get the most out of the star.

If Ayton’s potential is maximized, the Lakers will have a very strong squad that could compete for an NBA championship.

Expect Deandre Ayton to sign with the LA Lakers today. However, the Indiana Pacers have an interest in Ayton and could try and swoop in and sign him.