Deandre Ayton Steals the Spotlight with Viral Trick Shot at All-Star Weekend Event
While the NBA’s brightest stars are lighting up the court in Indianapolis for All-Star Weekend, one former No. 1 pick is turning heads just a few miles west-with a little less hardwood and a lot more flair.
Deandre Ayton, who’s not on the All-Star roster this year, still managed to grab the spotlight in Los Angeles during a Foot Locker promotional event. And let’s just say, it wasn’t your typical jumper from the elbow.
At the Foot Locker Takeover experience, Ayton took center stage at the Crocs space, where he pulled off a shot that could’ve come straight out of a video game. Surrounded by a crowd of fans, Ayton launched a high-arching “granny shot” from across the street-yes, across the street-sending the ball soaring above the crowd and toward a hoop mounted on the side of a massive building.
And somehow, some way, it went in.
The crowd erupted. Phones were out, jaws dropped, and Ayton soaked it all in.
He dropped to one knee on the pavement, bowed his head like he was in prayer, then theatrically mimed putting on a superhero cape before pointing to the sky. It was a moment-and the internet took notice.
Foot Locker posted the video to Instagram, where it quickly racked up more than 82,000 likes. Among the reactions was a like from Ayton’s Lakers teammate Jake LaRavia, while the comment section lit up with a mix of awe, humor, and a few pointed jabs.
Some fans couldn’t help but reference Ayton’s past performances, particularly from his days with the Phoenix Suns. One comment joked, “Where was this energy in the ‘21 Finals?” Another chimed in, “That boy can do everything but rebound I tell you 😂,” while others poked fun at his mid-range game and injury status: “But he can’t make a 10 footer this is crazy,” and “Suddenly his knee ain’t sore anymore 😂.”
Of course, social media never misses a chance to speculate. A few comments hinted at potential roster changes, suggesting Ayton might not be long for Los Angeles. But for now, the big man is still part of the Lakers' frontcourt rotation.
Through 55 games this season, the Lakers sit at 33-21, and Ayton has played in 46 of those contests. He’s averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting a blistering 67.5% from the field-efficient numbers, even if they haven’t quieted all the critics.
Most recently, he was sidelined with a right knee injury and missed Thursday’s matchup against the Mavericks. The good news?
Imaging came back clean, and the team is optimistic he’ll be ready to return after the All-Star break.
In the meantime, Ayton’s doing what he can to stay involved-and stay visible. He joined a roster of NBA names at Friday’s Foot Locker event, including All-Star Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and dunk contest legend Mac McClung. While they may be the ones suiting up this weekend, Ayton reminded everyone that he’s still capable of delivering a highlight-or at the very least, a viral moment.
It may not have been a 20-10 night or a game-saving block, but Ayton’s trick shot was a reminder that even off the court, he’s got a flair for the dramatic. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to steal the show.