Deandre Ayton of the LA Lakers made headlines a couple of days ago after reportedly making remarks about Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley went off on Ayton for making comments about Capela, who was just minding his own business far away from the Lakers.
Speaking to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin after the Lakers’ loss to the Orlando Magic, Ayton exclaimed that he was “no Clint Capela” as an expression about his role with the franchise. However, Ayton followed that rant up with a two-point stinker against the Phoenix Suns.
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The “Inside the NBA” crew discussed Ayton’s comments before the Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Barkley went off and pointed to Ayton for not capitalizing on his situation in Phoenix and the Lakers, playing alongside great players.
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“He gives himself a nickname like DominAyton,” Barkley said. “DominAyton my a**.”
Deandre Ayton was coming off a huge double-double when he made the remarks about Clint Capela. Ayton has been vocal about wanting more touches under coach JJ Redick, who has drawn up plays for him from time to time.
Ayton mentioning another player like Clint Capela, who played his role to perfection during his time with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks, was not well-received by fans, analysts and former players.
Capela was a huge contributor to the Rockets’ success when James Harden was dominating the NBA. He was receiving lobs and dunking alley-oops every game. He was also consistent on both ends of the floor at the height of his career.
Shaquill O’Neal calls out Deandre Ayton
Even Shaquille O’Neal went off on Deandre Ayton for not playing his role to perfection and not being consistent, which is what the Lakers need from him. O’Neal defended Clint Capela, who also clapped back at Ayton to “lock in” with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
“He’s not Clint Capela because Clint Capela plays hard every game,” Shaq said. “Clint Capela is a role player, Deandre Ayton is a role player. You’re not going to be on the same team with LeBron and Luka, and think you going to get shot. … Just do your job, pick and rebound and run the court, you can get easy buckets.”
Ayton is averaging a career-low of 13.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season. He’s also shooting a career-low 9.0 shots per game. However, he’s second in field goal percentage this season behind Rudy Gobert.
Edited by Juan Paolo David