Shaquille O'Neal criticized Deandre Ayton after the Lakers center compared his role to Clint Capela. Shaq stressed the importance of effort, rebounding, and embracing a role when playing alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal did not hold back when reacting to Deandre Ayton recent comments about Clint Capela, as the Los Angeles Lakers center continues to search for consistency this season.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
Ayton is in his eighth NBA season and his first with the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing next to stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, expectations were high, but Ayton has struggled to find a steady role in the offense. His production has come in waves, leading to questions about his fit.
Ayton recently addressed those struggles by saying the Lakers are trying to use him like Capela, a comparison he does not agree with. Capela responded by saying Ayton needs to lock in while playing alongside elite playmakers like James and Doncic. O'Neal added his own strong take before the Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. He emphasized effort, toughness, and embracing a role.
"If you play hard, you can get things done," Shaq said on ESPN. "He's not Clint Capella, because Clint Capella plays hard every game. Clint Capella 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'ge going to get shots."
"However, all these players right here are for you. So 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. But listen, if 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."
O'Neal stressed that dominating the NBA is not always about touches or scoring. For big men, setting screens, rebounding, running the floor, and playing hard every night are often what keep them on the court. He wants to see Ayton adapt to his role and bring consistent effort.
Before Saturday, Ayton had played 50 games this season, averaging 13.0 points and 8.4 rebounds. He has been efficient around the rim, shooting 66.5 percent from the field, while converting 67.8 percent of his free throws.
The Lakers currently hold a 35-24 record and sit sixth in the Western Conference standings.
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.