Deandre Ayton discussed his role for the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday morning ahead of his return against the Dallas Mavericks.
While explaining what he brings to the table for the purple and gold, Ayton's comments caused many on social media to assume he might be taking a shot at his Friday night opponent, Anthony Davis.
"I'm here to give the Lakers what they've been missing for a long time," Ayton told reporters. " A big that can put up numbers, anchor a defense, and be a presence on both ends of the floor… Playing with Hall of Famers, damn near, and a superstar in [Austin Reaves], this is what I can contribute being a role player."
While Ayton's initial comments come off as critical for the former front-court standout, he would later praise Davis' strengths as a player, leading those with the full context to come to the defense of Davis.
via @LeSportFanatic: To clarify for DA, he did say you have to guard AD like would joker or Giannis. But yeah he took shots at him. Watch the full clip people. I doubt DA meant any disrespect by it.
@Nick2ThaG: Lmao even ad asked for this. Lakers always needed a center, we won a title w him at PF
@JusteReacts: Why are you all reaching? Ad was never a center he's a 4 that was kind of forced to play the 5. Let's not spread lies
@infSilence: Lakers wanted a center for years to play alongside AD, y’all just searching for drama
@VeganUnc: No he isn't, he is basically saying what AD was saying when he asked for this type of big so he could be in his true position of PF
@johnathandunc16: AD won a championship so he gave the Lakers what they needed.. Lmao
@Clarke3110: Ad was the best player on a championship team. What's ayton on about
After spending seven years with the New Orleans Pelicans, Davis suited up for the Lakers for six seasons.
During that time, he was LeBron James' co-star and helped contribute to the Lakers' latest championship, which occurred in the NBA bubble during the 2019-2020 season.
That year, Davis appeared in 62 games, averaging 26.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. Throughout his Lakers tenure, Davis appeared in 312 games. He posted averages of 24.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, while shooting 53 percent from the field.
Davis's Lakers stint ended on an odd note, as he was shockingly included in a trade between the Lakers and the Mavs, which ended the Luka Doncic era in Dallas. While Davis' clear frustrations down the stretch of his time with the Lakers might've painted a negative picture before he was on his way, the Lakers surely shouldn't regret their time with Davis on the roster.
While Ayton's comments might've come off as a shot at Davis to some, many viewed it as the veteran center claiming that he's the type of player the Lakers needed to pair with a star like Davis-not a replacement for the 10-time All-Star.
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