The Los Angeles Lakers are grappling with concerns regarding their recent acquisition of Deandre Ayton, who was claimed off waivers during the offseason for $16 million. Initially, the team believed that playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic would help Ayton develop positively. However, ongoing issues in the locker room and Ayton’s own struggles have raised questions about his fit within the franchise.
Reports from around the league indicate a troubling perception of Ayton’s attitude. Kendrick Perkins, an ESPN analyst and former NBA player, stated, “The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… right now he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room.” Perkins emphasized that Ayton needs to make significant changes to avoid jeopardizing his career.
At the season’s start, Ayton managed to maintain his composure on the court. As games progressed, however, his frustration has been evident. JJ Redick, another basketball analyst, noted, “I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” Redick pointed out that when a player feels less involved, it is natural for their performance, particularly in rebounding, to decline.
Despite efforts to integrate Ayton into the offense, including plans for him to receive early touches, the Lakers have experienced dry spells with him on the floor. Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin highlighted these struggles, particularly during critical moments in recent games.
In a notable game on Saturday, the Lakers experienced a significant shift after Ayton was removed from the lineup. Shannon Sharpe, a well-known Lakers super fan and three-time Super Bowl champion, observed that the team performed better without him. “Lakers blew a big lead and then came back from double digits down once [head coach] removed a certain player from the lineup,” Sharpe tweeted, praising the contributions of other players who stepped up during Ayton’s absence.
The Lakers have a ball-dominant roster, which often results in Ayton being sidelined in offensive strategies. Reports suggest that his disengagement when the game does not revolve around him may be detrimental to the team’s overall performance. Observers like Sharpe are increasingly concerned that Ayton may become a liability rather than an asset.
With the trade deadline approaching, Ayton’s growing frustrations could prompt the Lakers to explore potential trade options. As the team evaluates its roster and performance, they may seek to offload Ayton if another organization is willing to take a chance on him.
As the season unfolds, the Lakers must navigate these challenges while striving for success. The relationship between Ayton and the team remains a critical focal point as they aim to enhance their performance in a competitive league.
