Lakers' Deandre Ayton Rejects Being Clint Capela

A familiar critique has resurfaced around Deandre Ayton as the Lakers sputter through four losses in six games. A Western scout told ESPN Ayton has "mostly underachieved" and "picks and chooses when he wants to lock in and play." Ayton, after a 21 and 13, was overheard saying "I'm not no Clint Capela." Once a frontline piece in Phoenix, Ayton is now averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds and ranks low in VORP for Los Angeles. Merlin sees a clear pattern: big games sandwiched by quiet ones and offcourt friction that followed him from Phoenix to Portland. Pairing with Luka offered a map to better play but the route has not been followed. The Lakers need dependable center play; Ayton must decide whether to become steady or yield minutes and leverage.