Clint Capela has addressed Deandre Ayton’s recent comparison, where Ayton said, “They’re trying to make me Clint Capela. I’m not no Clint Capela.” The comment surfaced two months ago after Ayton felt he wasn’t getting the respect he deserved following a game against the Magic.
Capela and Ayton are now facing off in the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Rockets. The Lakers lead the series 1-0 after winning Game 1, 107-98.
Capela’s Surprise and Instagram Response
“I was surprised,” Capela said regarding Ayton’s jab. “I don’t know why I’m in someone else’s head. I don’t talk to the guy.”
After the comment went viral, Capela responded over Instagram. He pointed out that Ayton plays alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, writing, “U got 2 of the best floor general in the game dawg Lockinnn.”
Capela’s Career as a Role Player
Capela, who is 31, was the 25th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by Houston. He has made a career out of being a successful role player.
After signing a three-year, $21.5 million contract with the Rockets in June 2025, he has transitioned into being a backup veteran. Capela is known as a gifted rebounder, shot blocker and rim protector.
During his prime, he was an important piece on a Rockets team that reached two Western Conference finals in 2015 and 2018. Over seven seasons, he averaged a double-double, including a league-leading 14.3 rebounds and 15.2 points per game in 2020-21.
“Yeah, I mean for me, in my career, I did what I did for my team, had a lot of success,” Capela said. “So, it worked out for me.”
Capela has made a 12-season career out of being a reliable rim-running big man. He never tried to be a superstar.
Ayton’s Expectations and Current Form
Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Suns. He was selected ahead of Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and was expected to become a superstar.
Ayton has only lived up to those expectations in moments and has struggled with consistency and maturity throughout his eight-season career.
Some games, he’s a force on both ends of the court who can effortlessly produce double-doubles. Other games, he’s a 7-foot placeholder.
The Lakers acquired Ayton on a two-year, $16.6 million contract in July after a buyout from the Trail Blazers. He was hoping to resuscitate his career.
The 27-year-old Ayton has had an up-and-down season, averaging 12.5 points and eight rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game. However, things began turning around for him during the Lakers’ recent 16-2 run this spring.
“Felt like I picked up my energy and my focus,” Ayton said March 12. “And, you know, I finally caugh