Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Pushes Back on Being Cast in Clint Capela-Style Role
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Los Angeles, CA — Lakers center Deandre Ayton made it clear this week that he does not want to be used strictly as a lob-catching, rim-running big man similar to veteran center Clint Capela.
Following Tuesday night’s 127-112 loss to the Orlando Magic, the 7-footer scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds before addressing reporters in the locker room. As he walked away from the media scrum, several people heard him raise his voice: “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela… I’m not no Clint Capela!”
Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, joined the Lakers last summer to play alongside Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. While he acknowledged in preseason interviews that scoring would not be his primary focus, the 25-year-old has struggled with an inconsistent role and effort level. Some nights he dominates the glass and protects the rim; others, coaches and teammates have questioned his engagement.
Capela, now a backup with the Houston Rockets, built his reputation a decade ago as James Harden’s preferred pick-and-roll partner, thriving on dunks, offensive rebounds and screen assists while averaging nearly two blocks per game. Ayton believes his own offensive skill set extends beyond that template.
The Lakers finished their recent eight-game homestand at 4-4. Despite the uneven stretch, Ayton told reporters he remains optimistic the team can “turn things around” as the season progresses.
Source: LakersNation.com
