Deandre Ayton struggles adapting to his Lakers role as a dirt worker. [Image Source: NBCSPORTSBAYAREA]
Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is showing clear frustration about how he’s being utilized by the Los Angeles Lakers this season. After the Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic on February 24, Ayton was overheard saying,
“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela. I’m not no Clint Capela!”
—revealing his dissatisfaction with the role the team expects him to play.
Season Performance and Background with the Lakers
This season marks Ayton’s first with the Lakers, where he is averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. His field goal percentage stands at an efficient 66.7%, accompanied by a 67.8% free throw rate. The Lakers acquired Ayton last offseason after the Portland Trail Blazers bought out his contract, looking to bolster their frontcourt.
Despite his strong shooting numbers, Ayton’s performance has been inconsistent, repeating issues similar to those faced with his former teams, the Phoenix Suns and Trail Blazers. Both prior franchises appeared keen to move on from the center, reflecting ongoing challenges in his fit and impact.
Team Perspective on Ayton’s Development
Comments from Lakers guard Marcus Smart show a mixed but hopeful outlook on Ayton’s progress. Smart stated,
“I think he’s done OK. He definitely could be better, we all could. But the thing I love about it is he understands it and he’s working. We all are trying to figure it out; this is new to everybody. He’s doing his best, but he understands it’s another notch that we need him to go to, and we’re going to try to get him there and help with that. But he knows he’s got to do his part as well.”
Role Expectations and Team Standing
Sources within the Lakers organization emphasize that Ayton’s role is demanding and specific. One insider told ESPN,
Image of: Clint Capela
“When he’s at his best, and we’ve seen it, we’ve seen glimpses of it, he’s playing with force,”
continuing,
“And that’s playing with great force on both ends of the floor when it comes to screening. Then rolling and putting pressure on the rim; [when the] shot goes up, crashing the glass; sprinting back in transition; loading to the basketball; calling out your communication; being in the right positioning; contesting shots; boxing out. Those things for a big are just really thankless when you’re a skilled big. But on this team, that’s what his role is. He has to be a dirt worker.”
The Lakers currently sit in sixth place in the Western Conference, with 25 games left in the regular season. Ayton is earning $8.1 million this year and holds a player option for the same amount next season. His ability to fully embrace this demanding role could be critical to the Lakers’ hopes of climbing the standings and making a postseason push.
Implications for Ayton and the Lakers Moving Forward
Ayton’s struggle to find satisfaction in his role highlights a tension between his expectations and the team’s strategic needs. Balancing his scoring ability with the “dirty work” responsibilities may determine his future in Los Angeles. Given the Lakers’ current standing and the tight playoff race, how Ayton adapts and performs in the remaining games could significantly influence the team’s success and his own career trajectory.
