The Los Angeles Lakers are grappling with challenges surrounding their recent acquisition of Deandre Ayton, who was claimed off waivers during the offseason for a reported $16 million. While the franchise hoped that playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic would rejuvenate Ayton’s career, concerns about his behavior and fit within the team have surfaced.
Voices from across the league have raised alarms about Ayton’s potential impact on team dynamics, labeling him as a “diva” and a “cancer” in the locker room. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins emphasized 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.”
Initially, Ayton managed to keep his emotions in check. Yet, as the season progresses, reports indicate he has grown increasingly dissatisfied with his role on the team. Former NBA player JJ Redick remarked on Ayton’s frustrations, noting, “I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” Redick further explained that Ayton’s rebounding production might decline if he feels excluded from the offense.
In an effort to address these concerns, Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin mentioned that the team is working to provide Ayton with early touches to foster engagement. Despite these attempts, a recent game illustrated the growing disconnect. During the fourth quarter of a match on Saturday, the Lakers experienced a scoring drought with Ayton on the court, leading to speculation about his contribution.
Super Bowl champion and Lakers super fan Shannon Sharpe highlighted this moment, noting that the team surged back after Ayton was removed from the lineup. He tweeted, “Lakers blew a big lead and then came back from double digits down once [Ayton] was removed… Luka was Luka and Bron chipped in with 17.”
As the Lakers navigate this delicate situation, it is becoming increasingly evident that Ayton may be doing more harm than good for the team. The Lakers’ roster is filled with ball-dominant players, which often leaves Ayton sidelined and disengaged. Observers, including Sharpe, are beginning to view Ayton as a potential liability in the lineup.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers face a pivotal decision. If Ayton’s frustrations continue to escalate, the team may consider moving him if another organization is willing to take the risk on a player whose locker room presence has come under scrutiny. The coming weeks will be crucial for both Ayton and the Lakers as they work to address these challenges and solidify their playoff ambitions.
