Deandre Ayton's current season with the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked quite the conversation, especially as he's taking the fewest field goal attempts per game in his NBA career. For a player once drafted first overall, this shift in role has become a significant talking point.
When you compare Ayton to his peers, his career-low attempts might not seem as alarming. It's important to remember that Ayton joined the Lakers to complement their stars, not to form a superteam. This was always about fitting into a role rather than dominating the spotlight.
Trevor Lane offers a thoughtful comparison of Ayton with other centers in similar roles. Players like Ivica Zubac, Jarrett Allen, Nikola Vucevic, Rudy Gobert, and others have similar numbers. Lane points out that while the Lakers might benefit from more ball movement, Ayton's situation isn't unusual for a third or fourth option on a team.
Here's a quick look at the field goal attempts per game for these players:
- Deandre Ayton: 9
- Jarrett Allen: 9.4
- Ivica Zubac: 10
- Mark Williams: 7.4
- Isaiah Hartenstein: 7
- Rudy Gobert: 6.4
- Nikola Vucevic: 9.4
- Wendell Carter Jr.: 8.4
- Zach Edey: 8.9
- Nic Claxton: 8.8
This is a typical scenario for players not in the primary scoring role. The Lakers need to enhance their ball movement, but Ayton's offensive touches align with his role.
However, Ayton's recent comments have stirred the pot. He expressed frustration over being molded into a player like Clint Capela, stating, "They're trying to make me Clint Capela.
I'm not no Clint Capela!" This sentiment suggests a struggle with his identity on the court.
Ayton's journey in Los Angeles began with a willingness to adapt and focus on defense. Earlier in the season, he emphasized his commitment to defense over offense, saying, “I wanted to show the team I’m more committed on the defensive end than the offensive end...
I’m not really here for numbers. I’m just here for whatever the Lakers want me to do.”
Yet, the situation seems to have shifted. The challenge for Ayton is embracing this role without letting ego interfere. Clint Capela thrived in his role with the Rockets, proving that sometimes excelling in a specific role can be just as rewarding as being the star.
For Ayton, the path forward may involve embracing this evolution and finding satisfaction in contributing to the Lakers' success in whatever way is needed.