Shaq blasts DeAndre Ayton over Clint Capela’s comments

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal he didn’t hold back Deandre Ayton’s comments on Clint Capela following Los Angeles Lakers center struggles this season.

Ayton is in the eighth year of his NBA career, his first with the Lakers. Despite playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic, Ayton has not been able to fully thrive in the team’s offense this season, resulting in inconsistent moves.

Ayton commented on those struggles, saying Los Angeles is trying to use him as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela, a player Ayton doesn’t see himself as. Capella has since responded to those commentssaying that Ayton should be locked in when it comes to performing alongside James and Doncic.

O’Neal too joined in with his comments ahead of the Lakers’ clash with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. He described how Capela tends to play hard every game, something he wants to see from Ayton.

“Clint Capela plays hard every game … You’re not going to be on the same team with LeBron (James) and Luka (Doncic) and think you’re going to get shots,” O’Neal said. “I wish my career was this easy… He doesn’t play hard all the time.”

“Clint Capela plays hard every game … You’re not going to be on the same team with LeBron (James) and Luka (Doncic) and think you’re going to get shots … I wish my career was this easy … He doesn’t play hard all the time.”

Shaq on Deandre Ayton 👀pic.twitter.com/3ZHrMgtoGk

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2026

What awaits Deandre Ayton and the Lakers

Shaquille O’Neal knew the importance of being tough while having the role to dominate the NBA. He wants to see Deandre Ayton adjust to his current situation and consistently help the Lakers produce throughout the rest of the season.

In the 50 games he played before Saturday, Ayton averaged 13 points and 8.4 rebounds. He shoots 66.5% from the field and 67.8% from the free throw line.

Los Angeles is 35-24 on the season, holding sixth place in the Western Conference standings. They are 1.5 games ahead of the Phoenix Suns and 4.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors. However, they trail the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games.

After Saturday’s win over the Warriors, the Lakers will be looking forward to their next matchup. They will be at home when they host the Sacramento Kings on March 1st at 9:30pm ET.