The Los Angeles Lakers were excited to claim Deandre Ayton off waivers, believing that playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic could change him. During the offseason, however, several voices around the league warned Los Angeles that Ayton could become a problem in the locker room, and that label quickly followed him.
“The word around the league is not good about Deandre Ayton… right now he’s been labeled as a diva, as a cancer in the locker room… he has to change a lot about himself or he will find his career being shortened,” ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins said.
At the beginning of the season, Ayton did a solid job controlling his emotions. As the season has gone on, though, that same level of composure has not remained. Ayton has grown increasingly frustrated with his role.
“I think he’s frustrated. He doesn’t feel like he’s getting the ball.” – JJ Redick on Deandre Ayton’s recent performances. Redick added that it’s “human nature” for Ayton’s rebounding production to dip if he doesn’t feel involved. “Said LAL will work to get Ayton early touches,” Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin wrote.
On Saturday, the Lakers went through a dry spell with Ayton on the floor in the fourth quarter. Lakers super fan and Super Bowl champion Shannon Sharpe pointed out that the team rallied after Ayton was removed from the lineup.
“Lakers blew a big lead and then came bck from double digits dwn once JJ removed a certain player from the lineup. Rui caught fire from 3, Smart timely shots and played out standing defense. Luka was Luka and Bron chipped in with 17,” Sharpe posted.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Ayton may be doing more harm than good for the team. The Lakers have a ball-dominant group, which often leaves Ayton on the outside, but he appears to disengage when things are not going his way.
Sharpe is one of several observers who believe Ayton is slowly becoming a liability in the Lakers’ lineup. With the trade deadline approaching and his frustration growing, Ayton could soon be on the move if another organization is willing to take the risk.
