Mon Oct 27 03:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shaq Blasts Ayton After Disappointing Lakers Debut: “That Performance Was Terrible!”
Los Angeles, CA – Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal didn’t mince words following Deandre Ayton’s first game in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform. On the debut episode of ESPN’s “Inside the NBA,” O’Neal delivered a scathing critique of the center’s performance, demanding more production from the former No. 1 overall pick.
“Deandre,” O’Neal stated emphatically, accompanied by a thumbs-down gesture, “I need you to step it up, my boy. You gotta rebound, block shots, and you gotta dominate.”
O’Neal emphasized Ayton’s unique opportunity playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, stating, “The pressure’s not on you, you’re playing with two great players that get doubled a lot. When they make the little bounce pass, catch it, and throw it down!” He further criticized Ayton’s offensive choices, saying fadeaways against smaller defenders simply “won’t get it done.”
Ayton finished his debut with a lackluster stat line of 10 points, six rebounds, one block, and four turnovers in 34 minutes of play.
The Lakers acquired Ayton to bolster their frontcourt and provide a lob threat. While the Lakers hope to see the best is yet to come, O’Neal’s blunt assessment highlights the high expectations surrounding the 27-year-old center, who is coming off a season marred by injury with the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton hopes to recapture the form that saw him reach the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns.
Whether Ayton can heed O’Neal’s advice and elevate his game remains to be seen, but the Hall of Famer’s message was clear: the Lakers need Ayton to play a much larger role if they want to contend for a championship.
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