Udonis Haslem, a three-time NBA champion, has sharply criticized Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton’s mentality after Ayton’s controversial remarks about teammate Clint Capela went viral. The incident occurred following a Lakers loss to the Orlando Magic on February 24, when Ayton was overheard saying he was not like Capela, triggering widespread backlash.
Haslem did not hold back in addressing Ayton’s attitude during an appearance on NBA on Prime, conveying a strong message about what it means to be a team player at the championship level.
Veteran Perspective on Playing a Supporting Role
Drawing from his years with the Miami Heat alongside stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, Haslem emphasized the importance of accepting and embracing one’s role, even when it’s not the one desired. He stressed that championship teams demand everyone to play their part, regardless of personal preference.
I understand you might not be Clint Capela, but let me tell you something. That is a losing mentality. If this is what your team needs from you to put them in a position to win a championship, then you have to buy in and play your role,
Haslem said.
I played with the big three. The other 12 of us did not have the role we wanted. The only three people that had the role they wanted was them. Everybody else had to fill in the gaps and play a role to help win. You are no different, DeAndre Ayton. Not that guy. Play your damn role and get your ring or not,
he added.
Growing Criticism From NBA Legends
Haslem’s critique reflects a broader sentiment echoed by other NBA legends. Shaquille O’Neal sharply addressed Ayton on ESPN Tip-Off, pointing out the mismatch between Ayton’s effort and the standards set by Capela, who is known for his consistent hard work as a role player.
He is not Clint Capela, because Clint Capela plays hard every game. Clint Capela is a role player. Deandre Ayton is a role player. They’re not going to be on the same team as LeBron and Luka and thinking you’re gonna get shots. … If you just do your job, pick and rebound, and run the court, you can get easy buckets. I wish my career was this easy,
O’Neal stated.
You just shut the hell up and do your job, and do it all the time, and do it consistently, it wouldn’t be a problem.
Charles Barkley also expressed his frustration with Ayton’s self-perception on Inside the NBA, mocking the nickname Ayton gave himself during the 2021 playoffs.
This man out here talking about insulting Clint Capela, then he gives himself a nickname like Dominayton. Dominayton, my a**,
Barkley said.
Performance and Career Context
The timing of Ayton’s remarks worsened his public image, coinciding with a poor performance in a close defeat to the Phoenix Suns, where he posted a minus-24 rating and contributed only two points and four rebounds in 23 minutes of play. The Suns were missing key players Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks during this game, adding to the disappointment.
Statistically, Ayton’s current season shows a decrease from his career averages. While he has been a solid 16-point, 10-rebound player over his career, this season he is averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game over 27.7 minutes alongside some of the league’s best playmakers.
Ayton signed a two-year, $16 million agreement with the Lakers last summer after a buyout, with a player option for the following season. His recent trade history includes being sent to the Portland Trail Blazers by the Phoenix Suns in 2023, only for Portland to waive him before this season began.
Haslem’s Experience Highlights the Importance of Team Commitment
Haslem’s message to Ayton comes from two decades of professional experience, during which he consistently embraced his role as a key supporting player. His tenure with Miami’s “Big 3” demonstrated that while stars may control the spotlight, championships depend on everyone filling their role unfailingly.
For Ayton, who was the first overall pick in the 2018 draft and remains without an NBA title at age 27, the path to a championship is available if he chooses to commit fully to the team’s needs and show the necessary mentality to contribute consistently.
“I played with the Big 3, the other 12 of us did not have the role we wanted.”@ThisIsUD message to Deandre Ayton. pic.twitter.com/xxT7Hwvlsg
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) March 6, 2026
"He don't play hard all the time. He's the key for them to get to that next level."@SHAQ weighs in on Deandre Ayton's role with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/vSu7o2Dh8s
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 1, 2026
Charles Barkley:
“Dominayton my ass.” 🤣🤣🤣
(h/t @MindOfBron)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 1, 2026
