Deandre Ayton’s performance for the Los Angeles Lakers has come under fire from Stephen A. Smith. Smith criticised the former Phoenix Suns player following the Lakers’ defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their Western Conference semi-finals series.
Smith’s Critique of Ayton’s Play
On ESPN’s First Take, Smith said that Ayton plays as if he’s ‘lounging on the beach’. He highlighted a perceived lack of effort and urgency in Ayton’s game. Smith pointed to a specific play where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got an And-1 on Ayton, saying Ayton didn’t even attempt to move his feet.
Ayton posted 10 points and six rebounds in the Lakers’ 131-108 loss in Game 3. He is averaging 7.3 points and 9.3 rebounds against Oklahoma City in the series.
Smith also questioned Ayton’s physical conditioning. He said Ayton doesn’t look like he’s spent any time in the gym working on his game or his body.
Ayton’s Playoff Performance with the Lakers
Ayton is in his first season with the Lakers. He last made the playoffs in his final season with the Suns 2022-23.
In nine playoff games this season with the Lakers, Ayton is averaging 10.4 points on 53.1% shooting and 10.3 rebounds. These are all career postseason lows. The Lakers defeated the Rockets in the first round.
During his time with Phoenix, Ayton averaged 15 points on 61.5% shooting and 105 rebounds in 45 career playoff games.
Smith’s Call for Change
Smith stated that Ayton’s lack of urgency breeds frustration. He suggested the Lakers might need to remove Ayton from their locker room due to the effect his lack of urgency has on other players.
Ayton had the best plus/minus out of the Lakers’ starters in Saturday’s game at minus-8. LeBron James and Rui Hachimura each finished with a minus-24 while Austin Reaves and Marcus Smith ended Game 4 with a minus-23 and minus-22, respectively.
Ayton is on a two-year deal for $16.2 million with a player option on his second year in 2026-27. He’ll then be an unrestricted free agent.
Smith concluded that Ayton’s minimal effort is embarrassing, especially given his skills.