Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton drew sharp criticism from Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal after questioning his limited offensive role alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Appearing on NBA on ESPN, O’Neal labeled Ayton a “role player,” comparing him to Houston Rockets center Clint Capela—whose name Ayton had used earlier in the week to describe the kind of responsibilities he does not want. O’Neal argued that Ayton’s production would rise if he focused on screening, rebounding and sprinting the floor.
“If you just do your job, pick, rebound and run the court, you can get easy buckets,” O’Neal said. “Shut the hell up and do your job. He doesn’t play hard all the time, he’s not consistent.” The four-time NBA champion estimated Ayton could add “about 18 points” nightly simply through drop-offs and rim runs.
Ayton, 27, joined the Lakers last offseason after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, accepting a role built around rim protection and finishing. Concerns about his motor date to his stints with Portland and the Phoenix Suns, where similar questions arose despite his status as the No. 1 overall pick in 2018.
The Lakers started the season strong but have stumbled since the All-Star break, recording losses to the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. Guard Austin Reaves recently called Ayton the team’s “X factor” and said rediscovering the center’s early-season energy is essential for a playoff push.
Los Angeles next faces the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 6 at Smoothie King Center, where Ayton scored on a highlight dunk in the teams’ previous matchup.
Source: LakersNation.com
