Deandre Ayton has suddenly jumped to the center of NBA conversations after openly saying the Los Angeles Lakers are using him like Clint Capela. That comment alone sparked plenty of backlash around the league.
One of the loudest responses came from Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal has long been one of the harshest critics of big men, from JaVale McGee to Dwight Howard and Rudy Gobert. This time though, there might be some merit behind the critique.
There’s already a track record when it comes to Ayton’s mentality and approach. It’s part of why he arrived in Los Angeles via buyout rather than being treated like a marquee No. 1 overall talent. O’Neal was direct, saying Ayton should simply do his job and adding that he doesn’t play hard enough.
“He’s not Clint Capela because Clint Capela plays hard every game,” said Shaq. “Clint Capela is a role player. Deandre Ayton is a role player. They’re not gonna be on the same team with LeBron and Luka and think you’re gonna get shots. However, all these plays right here, they’re for you. So if you just do your job — pick, rebound, and run the court — you’ll get easy baskets. I wish my career were this easy. But listen, 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.”
“He don’t play hard all the time. He’s the key for them to get to that next level.”@SHAQ weighs in on Deandre Ayton’s role with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/vSu7o2Dh8s
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 1, 2026
