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Despite high expectations, Deandre Ayton has played well for the Los Angeles Lakers so far, but the latest injury update isn’t a good sign.
The Los Angeles Lakers closed out the week with a strong performance against a struggling Sacramento Kings team. The veteran center Deandre Ayton had a stellar outing. He was perfect from the field, going 6-6 to score 12 points in 18 minutes.
Beyond his scoring, Ayton came down with four rebounds and dished out two assists. He also had two steals and one block on defense. The Lakers’ center needed that kind of performance after his seemingly critical comments aimed at Houston Rockets center, Clint Capela.
Deandre Ayton Lands Another Critical Commenter
GettyDeandre Ayton made headlines last week for his Clint Capela stray.
The ex-NBA veteran Austin Rivers had a straightforward say on the matter.
Leading up to the Lakers’ March 1 action against the Kings, Rivers publicly issued his two cents with a strong statement:
“What happens to players when they don’t have the ability in the moment to understand who they are, what’s being asked of them, and how to star in their role? It cuts careers short, and it prevents careers from ever happening,” Rivers said.
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. Knowing your role and starring in it..can change your life!!! Deandre Ayton… it’s time, you can do it!
“Knowing your role can change your life. God, I wish I knew some of this stuff earlier. Man, I’d still be playing now, but it’s too late. Perception has been built … I’m not here to bash you or say what you’re not or what you can’t do. You were a good player for Phoenix Suns. A pivotal role in their Finals runs. I got nothing but respect for you, but you have to understand who you are now doing so can add years to your career and make you a lot more money.”
Will The Message Land For Deandre Ayton?
GettyDeandre Ayton recently landed a critical comment from Austin Rivers.
When Ayton entered the NBA, he was selected No. 1 overall. That doesn’t guarantee success at the NBA level, but the veteran center was taken there for a reason. Coming out of Arizona, Ayton planned to be a star in the league, forming a dynamic duo with the multi-time All-Star, Devin Booker.
There were strong runs put together by Ayton in Phoenix, but the reality was that Ayton didn’t live up to the top pick hype in Phoenix. In September 2023, Ayton was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Between the Phoenix exit and the Portland tenure, Ayton’s reputation took a hit. There were off-court concerns getting brought up in the rumor mill. On the court, Ayton averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds on the court in 40 games during his final run with the Blazers.
When Ayton hit the free agency market, major offers weren’t rolling in. He signed a reported $16.6 million deal over two years. On a roster with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, it’s clear Ayton is way down in the pecking order.
Statistically, Ayton is having his worst pro season. In 51 games, he posted averages of 12.8 points and 8.4 rebounds. He’s taking the fewest shots per game of his career.
“You’re saying you’re not no damn Clint Capela, man, you need to be!” Rivers claimed. “You need to be a force.”
Whether Ayton likes it or not, he’s a role player on the Lakers. He’s certainly not in the wrong for wanting a big role, but he’ll only find success if he accepts reality in Los Angeles. Rivers lays out a valid point. The Lakers will soon find out if Ayton has a change in mindset or not.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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