Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton expressed dissatisfaction with his current role on the team, stating that coaches are attempting to mold him into a player similar Rockets center Clint Capela, a comparison he rejected.
“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela. I’m not no Clint Capela!” Ayton said, according to an ESPN report. He emphasized the need for big men to be involved offensively, adding, “Bigs can’t feed themselves.”
Ayton, who signed with the Lakers as a free agent last summer after forfeiting $10 million from his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, highlighted his motivation to prove his value.
“It’s a platform that I cannot run from. I can show what I really am … [There] is a lot of fuel in me to prove to the whole world,” he said.
The 28-year-old center has been a key contributor this season, averaging strong numbers in points and rebounds, including a 21-point, 13-rebound performance against the Orlando Magic. However, scouts and coaches have noted inconsistencies in his effort, particularly in areas like screening and rim protection, where the Lakers expect him to excel. Ayton is shooting a career-best 66.7% from the field, second-best in the NBA, but his role has focused on the “dirty work” to support stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
The Lakers’ success this season is tied to Ayton’s performance, with the team emphasizing his contributions in wins but pointing to lapses in effort during losses. Ayton recently rehabbed knee soreness over the All-Star break and faced a minor marijuana possession incident in the Bahamas but returned without issue. His play could determine his next contract, potentially a multiyear deal with the Lakers or elsewhere if the team advances in the playoffs.
The comments sparked varied reactions on X, formerly known as Twitter, with many users criticizing Ayton’s mindset and defending the value of a Capela-like role.
“Deandre Ayton is one of those guys who thinks he’s better than he is, and that’s the worst sh*t,” posted @pisounalinha. The user added, “A prime Clint Capela is EXACTLY what the Lakers need.”
Others echoed the sentiment. “Deandre Ayton has such a loser mentality. What’s the problem with being Clint Capela? Clint Capela just signed ANOTHER major deal,” wrote @LakersBetter.
Some defended Ayton. “He didn’t apply for the Clint Capela job. If the Lakers wanted Capela, they could have used part of their MLE to sign Ayton. They didn’t want Clint,” commented @theJayAquino. The user noted Ayton’s efficient shooting as evidence of his upside.
Critics labeled him a “diva.” “Hes a diva and cares about points. the lakers need a prime clint capela,” said @RyanLucas_LA.
The Lakers have not publicly responded to Ayton’s remarks. The team, currently navigating the 2025-26 season, relies on Ayton amid broader discussions about contracts and playoff aspirations involving James and Doncic.
