Deandre Ayton and his first night in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform didnt go according to plan.
The 7-foot center finished with 10 points, six rebounds, and one block in a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, and afterward, his own comments raised eyebrows.
Today I was realizing, Im probably a confusing big, Ayton said. Where I can roll or stand in the pocket. It probably gets a little difficult for them sometimes. Im so used to the league having that low man on me, sometimes I cant even finish a roll and, a tiny bit, linger around the free throw area just to be available for him. Theres times I can finish my roll. You got to play some more and play against some more great teams like how we did tonight to really see whats the common coverage for these teams, really trying to put us on their personnel what they got on us.
His remarks left many fans puzzled, with some interpreting the self-proclaimed confusing big comment as a sign that hes still adapting to the Lakers system.
Doncic took the blame for Aytons limited involvement on offense, telling the media, Have to do a better job, just talking to him, like what I want and what he wants. Today was on me, not getting him enough touches probably. Gotta help him.
Meanwhile, Lakers legend Shaquille ONeal didnt hold back during ESPNs postgame show, challenging Ayton to play with more physicality.
Listen, DeAndre, Domin-Ayton, that performance you had yesterday, I need you to step it up, my boy, Shaq said. Youve got to do three things. You got to rebound, and you got to block shots, and you got to dominate You had a small guy guarding you in the post. You turn around and shoot a fadeaway. Thats not going to get it done.
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