JJ Redick was praising Luka Doncic. But Lakers fans heard something else entirely. During a postgame media session, the Lakers head coach tried to explain why he tolerates Doncic’s emotional outbursts toward referees. Instead, one particular comparison instantly sparked a different conversation across the NBA world.

Because the analogy Redick used sounded less like praise and more like a message aimed somewhere inside his own locker room. After the Lakers’ win over the Indiana Pacers, Redick defended Doncic’s fiery approach to the game while explaining the value of relentless competitiveness.

“Look, I think he’s a special kind of player, a special kind of person and a special kind of competitor. I would much rather have someone who is trying to go out every night and kill than someone you have to revive with a defibrillator every other day,” Redick said.

The line immediately caught attention online. While the comment was meant to highlight Doncic’s natural competitive drive, many fans believed the second half of that comparison pointed toward a different player entirely. And that is where Deandre Ayton entered the conversation.

Lakers fans suspect JJ Redick took aim at Deandre Ayton

Lakers fans felt JJ Redick’s comments about Luka Doncic weren’t just a simple compliment. They felt he called out Deandre Ayton with his remarks about effort. “Shot at Ayton,” a fan wrote. This comes amidst reports of the former Suns center feeling disappointed with his role on the Lakers.

ESPN reported Ayton’s outburst after a game against the Orlando Magic. He reportedly spoke against turning into a player like Clint Capela. Additionally, there have always been questions about his inconsistent commitments. “Damn Ayton got destroyed,” another fan commented.

Another fan mentioned, “Big A in the mud.. I wasn’t familiar with your game JJ”. Truth be told, Redick has been the type of coach to call out the Lakers’ group without hesitation. He’s previously slammed his team for not caring enough. His comments could be a reflection of those sentiments rather than a direct dig at Ayton.

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Of course, fans aren’t convinced. “Cook Ayton,” one fan wrote. Laker Nation has expressed frustrations with the former number one pick’s questionable efforts at times. That being said, it seems the Lakers center has accepted the criticism coming his way. Ayton’s waiting for a chance to prove the doubters wrong.

Ayton has dealt with criticism before, particularly when discussions about effort surface around his game. But inside the Lakers locker room, teammates have continued to support the big man.

Marcus Smart recently addressed the growing backlash directed at Ayton. “I know as of lately he’s been getting a lot of backlash for his effort and play. He understands it. I know it may not seem like it, but he does. And he wants to do good and he wants to help this team,” Smart said.

“I think that’s what’s more frustrating for him because he’s trying but the way he’s trying isn’t working and he’s still trying to figure it out.” For now, Ayton has a chance to respond on the court.

The Lakers center is currently dealing with left knee soreness, although the issue is not expected to sideline him for long. Once he returns, the focus will quickly shift back to his play.

Because regardless of whether Redick’s comment was meant as praise for Doncic or a subtle challenge to someone else, Lakers fans have already made up their minds. And now all eyes are on Ayton to prove them wrong.