Deandre Ayton‘s recent attempt to distance himself from a comparison to Clint Capela did not go as planned on Thursday. In the Los Angeles Lakers‘ narrow 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Ayton scored only two points, grabbed four rebounds, and posted a minus-24 box plus-minus rating. This disappointing performance contrasted sharply with his earlier comments rejecting the Capela comparison, which ESPN’s Dave McMenamin highlighted, noting Ayton had expressed frustration about being perceived merely as a lob threat following a loss to the Orlando Magic.
“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said. “I’m not no Clint Capela!”
Taking advantage of Ayton’s weak outing, Clint Capela, now a reserve center for the Houston Rockets, responded by sharing Ayton’s quote alongside a caption praising his own abilities in a recent game.
“U got 2 of the best floor general in the game my dawg lockinnn”
Capela outperformed Ayton during Houston’s 113-108 victory over the Magic, contributing four points, six rebounds, three assists, and four blocks off the bench in just 17 minutes. By comparison, Ayton started for the Lakers and played 23 minutes without making a significant impact.
Ayton’s Struggles Cast Doubt on His Future as an NBA Starter
After signing with the Lakers, Deandre Ayton appeared positioned to revive his NBA career by leveraging one of the league’s most visible franchises as a platform to reestablish himself as a dominant big man. Once regarded as a standout with the Phoenix Suns during their 2021 Finals run, Ayton’s effectiveness has since been questioned due to inconsistent effort and motivation.
Early in his time with the Lakers, there were signs that Ayton might regain the form that made him a top draft pick. However, as the season has passed, his level of engagement has come under scrutiny, especially when offensive opportunities are limited. This decline has left many wondering whether he can maintain a starting role on a competitive team.
Given that Ayton was bought out last offseason while still entering his prime, the chances that he will soon secure a substantial long-term contract appear slim. Realistically, he may fit best as a mid-tier role player, benefiting from the NBA’s ongoing need for skilled big men, though this position likely precludes a starting role with a title contender.
Capela’s Consistent Bench Impact Underscores the Comparison
Clint Capela’s bench performance against the Magic exemplified why the comparison to Ayton lingers. Despite limited minutes, the Rockets backup center contributed across multiple facets, including defense and playmaking, adding value that Ayton was unable to match even as a starter.
This dynamic underscores the concerns about Ayton’s role and effectiveness, particularly as teams evaluate big men not only for their scoring but also for their overall impact on the game. Capela’s ability to thrive in a supportive role while Ayton struggles in a starring capacity intensifies the scrutiny the latter faces.
Career Trajectories and What’s Next for Both Big Men
Ayton’s attempt to reject the comparison to Capela now looks premature given the current trajectories of both players. While Ayton was once seen as a franchise cornerstone, his recurring struggles threaten his status as a long-term starter. For Capela, his productive bench role with the Rockets adds another layer to the conversation about value beyond starting minutes.
The performance gap between Ayton and Capela on recent nights, combined with Ayton’s public rejection and subsequent flop, fuels ongoing debate about their respective futures in the NBA. The Lakers organization, along with other teams monitoring Ayton’s development, will need to assess whether his contributions match expectations or if his role will need to be redefined.
As the season continues, observers will watch closely to see if Ayton can reestablish himself as a dependable starter or if Capela’s steady impact as a multifaceted reserve will continue to overshadow him. Both players’ next moves could significantly influence their career paths and standing within the league.
