TITLE: Shaquille O’Neal urges Deandre Ayton to assert himself after quiet Lakers debut
SLUG: shaq-urges-deandre-ayton-step-up-lakers-opening-loss
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers’ newest center, Deandre Ayton, drew public criticism from franchise legend Shaquille O’Neal following a subdued performance in the club’s season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Ayton, signed this summer after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, logged 34 minutes at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 21 but finished with just 10 points, six rebounds and one block on 5-for-7 shooting. Golden State, which lacks size in the paint, defeated Los Angeles 112-103 after starting the second half on a 19-4 run.
O’Neal’s message
Speaking on the first episode of ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” the next night, O’Neal addressed Ayton directly:
“Listen Deandre, DominAyton. That performance yesterday, I need you to step it up, my boy. You’ve got to rebound, you’ve got to block shots, and you’ve got to dominate. The pressure’s not on you—you’re playing with two great players that get doubled a lot. When they make the little bounce pass, catch it and throw it down.”
O’Neal added that Ayton faced single coverage for much of the night and turned to a fadeaway against smaller defenders, a decision the Hall of Famer said “is not going to get it done.”
Lakers seek improved chemistry
Head coach Darvin Ham’s roster is still adjusting after last season’s blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Dončić. Dončić acknowledged the growing pains postgame, noting he is “starting to learn where Ayton likes the ball” in pick-and-roll situations.
The Lakers expect Ayton to supply the interior presence they lacked during last year’s postseason exit. The 27-year-old center has publicly welcomed the heightened expectations in Los Angeles and now faces added scrutiny after O’Neal’s remarks.
Reaves on third-quarter struggles
Shooting guard Austin Reaves placed responsibility for the team’s sluggish third quarter—an ongoing issue in recent seasons—squarely on the players. “That’s on us,” Reaves said after Golden State’s decisive run.
Los Angeles returns to action Friday against the Sacramento Kings, looking for a stronger showing from Ayton and a complete effort out of halftime.
Source: Lakers Nation
