The Los Angeles Lakers are encountering significant challenges with their recent acquisition of Deandre Ayton, who joined the team from the waiver wire this offseason. Initially seen as a potential asset alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, concerns about Ayton’s impact in the locker room have emerged, raising questions about his future with the team.
Critics have voiced apprehensions about Ayton’s attitude, suggesting that he has been labeled as a “diva” and a potential disruption. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins highlighted these concerns, stating, “The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened.” This commentary reflects a broader sentiment among league observers regarding Ayton’s behavior.
At the season’s outset, Ayton appeared to manage his emotions effectively. However, as the season progressed, his frustrations have become more apparent. Fellow NBA analyst JJ Redick noted, “I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball,” suggesting that Ayton’s declining rebounding performance may be linked to his dissatisfaction with his role on the team.
The Lakers have recognized the need to address Ayton’s involvement in the offense. As reported by Lakers insider Dave McMenamin, the team is actively working to ensure Ayton receives early touches to facilitate his engagement in the game. Yet, recent performances indicate that Ayton’s frustrations are impacting his contributions on the court.
During a recent game, the Lakers experienced a noticeable downturn in performance with Ayton on the floor in the fourth quarter. Super Bowl champion and Lakers super fan Shannon Sharpe pointed out that the team managed to rally after Ayton was substituted. Sharpe tweeted, “Lakers blew a big lead and then came back from double digits down once [coach] removed a certain player from the lineup. Rui caught fire from 3, Smart timely shots and played outstanding defense. Luka was Luka and Bron chipped in with 17.”
As the Lakers navigate these internal challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that Ayton’s presence may be hindering the team’s performance. The Lakers’ roster is comprised of ball-dominant players, which often leaves Ayton feeling sidelined. Observers like Sharpe believe that unless Ayton’s attitude shifts, he could soon become a liability for the team.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Lakers may need to consider their options regarding Ayton. If his frustrations continue to escalate and impact team dynamics, another organization might be willing to take the risk on the talented yet troubled player. The coming weeks will be crucial for both Ayton and the Lakers as they seek to find a resolution to this growing concern.
