Deandre Ayton Expected to Take Bigger Offensive Role for Lakers After Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers are adjusting their offensive strategy after losing two key players, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, to injuries. With both guards expected to miss time, head coach JJ Redick has indicated that center Deandre Ayton will receive a much larger role in the team’s offense.

The shift comes as the Lakers try to maintain their momentum late in the season and protect their playoff position. With two primary scoring options sidelined, the team is looking for new ways to generate offense.

Lakers Turn to Ayton as Offensive Option

Coach JJ Redick confirmed that the Lakers plan to increase Ayton’s involvement on offense. The team will design more plays for him and ensure he receives more touches than earlier in the season.

Coach	Key Plan
JJ Redick	More offensive touches and plays designed for Deandre Ayton
Lakers Strategy	Spread playmaking duties across multiple players
Offensive Goal	Reduce pressure on LeBron James

Redick explained that the team does not want to rely entirely on veteran forward LeBron James to create offense. Instead, multiple players will be asked to take on additional responsibilities.

This approach includes giving Ayton more opportunities to score inside and become a consistent focal point in half-court offense.

Injuries Force Lakers to Adjust Offensive Structure

The absence of Doncic and Reaves removes a major portion of the Lakers’ scoring production. Together, the two players account for a significant share of the team’s offense, forcing the coaching staff to rethink the offensive structure.

Injured Players	Impact
Luka Doncic	Major scoring and playmaking absence
Austin Reaves	Key offensive contributor sidelined

With both players unavailable, the Lakers will rely on a “ball-handling by committee” system. Several players will take on roles they have not regularly performed earlier in the season.

Also see: Rockets vs Warriors Injury Report: Stephen Curry Questionable, Gui Santos Expected to Play in Key Western Conference Clash

Ayton’s First Season with the Lakers

Deandre Ayton joined the Lakers this season and has appeared in 67 games so far. His production has been steady, particularly in efficiency and rebounding.

Season Stats	Value
Games Played	67
Points Per Game	12.4
Rebounds Per Game	8.2
Field Goal Percentage	67.4%

Ayton’s scoring numbers may increase as the Lakers run more plays through him during this period without their primary guards.

Signs of Progress in Recent Games

Ayton recently delivered one of his strongest performances of the season in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Game	Performance
vs Cleveland Cavaliers	18 points, 9 rebounds
Shooting	8 of 13 from the field
Minutes	28

The performance suggested Ayton could become a reliable scoring option if his offensive involvement increases.

Previous Frustration Over Role

Earlier in the season, Ayton expressed frustration about how he was being used in the Lakers’ system. He felt that his role was limited compared to his skill set.

The concern centered around being used mainly as a rim-running center similar to Clint Capela. Ayton made it clear that he believed he could contribute more offensively.

With the team now dealing with injuries to key players, the Lakers appear ready to expand his responsibilities and allow him to play a more versatile role.

Also Read: Amar’e Stoudemire Reveals Contract Dispute with Suns Owner That Led to 2010 Knicks Move

Lakers’ Record When Ayton Is Active

Statistics from the season highlight Ayton’s impact when he is heavily involved in games.

Situation	Lakers Record
When Ayton gets 8+ rebounds	31–9
When Ayton attempts 8+ shots	26–9
When both occur	23–6

These results show that the Lakers often perform better when Ayton is active both offensively and on the boards.

Important Moment in the Season

The timing of this shift in strategy is crucial. The Lakers are already playoff-bound, but maintaining strong performances without their full lineup will be important heading into the postseason.

In a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ayton finished with eight points and one rebound in limited minutes during the game where Doncic and Reaves were injured.

With the team adjusting its offensive structure, Ayton now has the opportunity to become a central part of the Lakers’ game plan during the final stretch of the season.

Lakers Upcoming Schedule Snapshot

Opponent	Status
Dallas Mavericks	Upcoming game
Oklahoma City Thunder	Upcoming game
Golden State Warriors	Upcoming game
Phoenix Suns	Upcoming game

The coming games will likely determine how effectively the Lakers can adapt their offense while their key guards recover.

Game Impact and Team Outlook

If Ayton responds well to the increased responsibility, the Lakers could maintain balance in their offense despite losing major contributors. His size, finishing ability, and rebounding presence give the team another option inside the paint.

The final stretch of the regular season may ultimately reveal how much the Lakers can rely on Ayton as a central offensive piece while their injured stars recover.