Deandre Ayton, who was drafted first overall in 2018 over Luka Doncic, has had a difficult eight seasons in the NBA. He was brought to Los Angeles this season to fill the gap that Anthony Davis’ trade created in the roster and give Luka an option in pick-and-roll. However, Ayton’s struggles continue, and LeBron James’ former teammate, Kendrick Perkins, did not seem happy with his growth.
Ayton has had some good games, but his lack of aggression as a center is visible. Featuring on the Road Trippin podcast, Perkins, who played with James in Cleveland, discussed the Lakers’ center’s season and his future in the league. He said:
“Can I say a quiet thing, out loud real quick? Deandre Ayton gonna find himself out of the league in the next two years. I am dead serious. If he don’t clean some shit up, then things didn’t work out in Phoenix, in Portland, it didn’t work out. You were the No. 1 pick, btw.”
The former Cavaliers forward even mentioned LeBron James’ alleged dissatisfaction with Ayton and added:
“I know when Lebron is off your ass. I know the signs. And boy its getting to that point. He just play with no damn force, its a damn shame.”
In his initial games this season, Ayton looked comfortable, averaging 16.6 points and nine rebounds in November. However, his production has severely dropped as the season progressed, and he just doesn’t look in sync with Luka.
However, the Lakers’ other center, Jaxson Hayes, has looked better with his explosive pick-and-rolls with Doncic and shot-blocking abilities. Ayton even sounded off on other Lakers in the middle of the season.
Deandre Ayton sounds off on the Lakers facilitators
After the Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies on January 5, Deandre Ayton did not sound satisfied in the post-game interaction with the media. He said:
“Bigs can’t feed themselves. I just try my best do what I can to bring effort and I trust my playmakers out there to find me.”
Ayton’s statement seemed to be pointed at LeBron James and Luka Doncic, who are mostly in facilitator mode in the Lakers’ offense. His concern was not without context. Even though he is shooting with a career-high efficiency of 68.1% this season, he is attempting a career-low 9.2 field goals.
Doncic is mostly on the ball-handling duties, but it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Slovenian is finding it hard to trust the starting center on offense. Maybe with time, Ayton can get more comfortable with the squad, as it is just his first season with the Lakeshow.
READ MORE: “Bigs Can’t Feed Themselves”: Deandre Ayton Sends Blunt Message To Luka Doncic and LeBron James
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