A slow start following the All-Star break has the blame going around in multiple directions for the Los Angeles Lakers. While some have attributed it to an aging LeBron James, others have pointed out the lack of defensive effort from superstar Luka Dončić. However, the common denominator in all those conversations has been Deandre Ayton.
A prized acquisition for the team in the offseason, the hope was that the former first overall pick could be the defensive anchor and big man talent that they desperately needed last season. However, with things not working out seamlessly, a franchise legend and Hall of Famer in Shaquille O’Neal has broken down the recipe for his success.
Shaquille O’Neal Spells It Out for Deandre Ayton
Drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the vaunted 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton was an instant double-double machine. However, with the upside of superstar guards like Dončić and Trae Young, there was some skepticism about the selection.
Still, he became a core member of the roster, helping them en route to a Finals appearance in 2021. During that trip and the ensuing season, though, a common complaint started to become prevalent around the star center.
While immensely talented, his drive and hustle for doing the little things remained a question mark on some nights. It is a narrative that has traveled with him at every stop, including his stint with the Lakers.
As his averages have dropped to 12.8 points and 8.4 rebounds, down from career numbers of 18.2 and 11.5, his effort on the glass and on defense has repeatedly been called into question. O’Neal, typically brutal against modern big men, had some words of wisdom for his former team’s star.
As the Lakers dominated the Golden State Warriors en route to a 129-101 victory, the latest episode of Inside the NBA allowed the four-time NBA champion to share some advice for Ayton.
“If you play hard, you can get things done. He’s not Clint Capela, because Clint Capela plays hard every game. Clint Capela is a role player. Deandre Ayton is a role player. You not gonna be on the same team as LeBron and Luka and think you gonna get shots.”
He did point out the upside of the current roster, specifically for the big man. “If you just do your job, pick, and rebound, and run the court, you’re gonna get easy buckets.” As he got more fired up making his point, the next part was more direct and harsh.
“You just shut the hell up and do your job. And do it all the time, and do it consistently, then it wouldn’t be a problem. My problem with him is he don’t play hard all the time.” If he could make that adjustment, though, a man that won three championships with the Lakers believes, “He’s the key for them to get to that next level.”
The focus of the basketball world, ever since he made the comments against Capela, has been locked in on Ayton. In the two games since then, his performance has been dreadful, to say the least.
With free agency right around the corner, a pickup over the final stretch of the season, especially after motivating words from a former MVP, could help both his team and the player himself.
