Shaquille O’Neal offered a blunt assessment of Deandre Ayton’s lone season with the Lakers while discussing the team’s rebuilt frontcourt.
Shaquille O’Neal has never been shy about criticizing NBA centers, and former Los Angeles Lakers big man Deandre Ayton became his latest target.
During an interview with Owen Crisafulli of Heavy, O’Neal discussed the Lakers’ roster overhaul following LeBron James’ departure.
The Hall of Fame center approved of L.A.’s decision to change its frontcourt, which included trading Ayton to the Washington Wizards and acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
O’Neal delivered a blunt assessment of Ayton’s time in Los Angeles.
“It’s only one great center and a lot of good centers,” O’Neal told Heavy. “I don’t know what the Lakers offense is gonna look like yet, but you got guys … they can do a lot of stuff around the rim, unlike ‘Dominayton,’ who didn’t do anything.”
Feb 18, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA;ShaquilleO'Nealfilms himself with a camera during the 2023 All Star Saturday Night at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsAyton’s uneven Lakers tenure
Ayton’s production suggests he contributed more than O’Neal’s remark indicated, but his season did not establish him as the Lakers’ long-term answer at center.
The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 72 regular-season games. He also shot a career-high 67.1% from the field, benefiting from opportunities around the basket alongside Luka Dončić, James and Austin Reaves.
Ayton began the season playing efficient basketball and recorded several productive performances. However, his involvement and energy fluctuated, while questions about his motor continued to follow him.
His impact also diminished during the playoffs. Ayton had 10 points and 12 rebounds in the Lakers’ second-round opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder but finished with six points and three rebounds in 21 minutes during L.A.’s season-ending Game 4 loss.
The Lakers eventually traded Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy and two second-round picks. That move created additional flexibility before the team completed a sign-and-trade for Kessler.
Lakers seek a different presence
Kessler offers the Lakers a younger defensive anchor with proven shot-blocking ability. His availability remains a concern after he appeared in only five games last season, but L.A. made a substantial commitment by signing him to a four-year contract.
Jun 5, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; NBA analyst and former playerShaquilleO'Nealspeaks before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics during game two of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY SportsThe Lakers also added veteran Kevon Looney as frontcourt insurance. Looney played only 21 games last season because of injuries, but he brings championship experience, rebounding and a willingness to handle physical assignments.
O’Neal has repeatedly challenged Ayton throughout the center’s career, particularly regarding his effort and consistency. Ayton’s talent has rarely been questioned, but he has not developed into the dominant interior player many expected after Phoenix selected him first overall in 2018.
L.A. will now place its trust in Kessler and Looney as it builds around Dončić and Reaves. Whether the new combination proves more reliable remains uncertain, but O’Neal clearly believes the Lakers needed a change.
