An NBA analyst has called on the Los Angeles Lakers to consider moving on from Deandre Ayton after his disappointing playoff performances against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The analyst criticized Ayton's effort level and urgency, saying it negatively affects the team, despite his strong regular-season numbers.
Los Angeles Lakers are facing offseason questions after another disappointing playoff stretch, and analyst Stephen A. Smith believes one major change is needed in the roster.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
The focus is on Deandre Ayton, who has been heavily criticized for his impact and consistency during the playoffs, especially in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder where the Lakers currently trail 0-3.
Smith did not hold back when discussing Ayton's effort and overall presence on the floor.
"That damn Deandre [Ayton]. Like, I bring up the fact that he's from the Bahamas, and I tell people, they say, why you keep bringing that up? I said, because he plays 50% of the time as if he's lounging on the beach. Just see the frustration on the faces of the Lakers. It's demoralizing to watch somebody. He's 7'1". He doesn't look like he's gained a pound," he said during ESPN's First Take. "He doesn't look like he's spent any time in the gym working on his game or his body or anything."
"He looks like the same dude we've seen for years. He's got skills, but the effort is so minimal. The absence of urgency is so flagrant that it breeds frustration. He's the kind of guy that if you're the Lakers, you almost have to get him out of your locker room just because of the effect that he will have on the other guys because of this flagrant lack of urgency that he plays with."
Ayton's production in the regular season was solid on paper, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 72 games, while shooting an efficient 67.1% from the field.
However, his playoff impact has been a major concern. In the series against OKC, Ayton is averaging just 7.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in 26 minutes per game, numbers that have not been enough to help the Lakers compete in the series.
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