Shaq sends Deandre Ayton a “step it up” warning after shaky debut in LA
Los Angeles Lakers center DeAndre Ayton’s debut did not meet expectationsand the center had just 10 points and six rebounds in a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. His quiet performance immediately drew criticism from the Hall of Fame Shaquille O’Neal.
O’Neal he did not hold back in his message to Aiton.
“Listen, DeAndre, ‘Domin-Ayton’ that performance you had yesterday, you need to step it up, my boy,” Shaq said in a video posted by NBA Courtside. “You have to do three things. You have to rebound, you have to block shots and you have to dominate.”
Shaq specifically called out Ayton for settling for a loss when guarded by a smaller defender.
“You had a little guy guarding you on a pole. You turn around and kill. That’s not going to work for you,” O’Neill continued. “When they get a little bounce going, grab it and throw it down.”
Ayton struggled to find his rhythm during the opener, and most of his production came late in the fourth quarter after three quiet periods. He shot 5 of 7 from the field, but recorded just one block in 34 minutes. Doc Luka Doncic dropped 43 points and Austin Reaves added 26 points, Ayton went 0-for-2 from the free throw line and had 4 turnovers in a game in which the Lakers committed 20 turnovers.
Doncic acknowledged his role in Ayton’s limited impact after the game. “I’ve got to do a better job … I probably didn’t touch him enough,” the running back said, noting that Ayton “likes that pocket pass more” in pick-and-roll situations, via Ernest Cova of Sportskeeda .
The focus now shifts to building better chemistry between Ayton and his new teammates, especially in screen and roll actions. With LeBron James sidelined and the Lakers in need of consistent production in the frontcourt, Ayton will have another chance to prove himself Friday against the Timberwolves and defensive anchor Rudy Gobert at Cripto.com Arena.
2025-10-23 17:33:00
