Lakers' Deandre Ayton Says He's 'Completely' Bought In After Viral 'Clint Capela' Comments
Deandre Ayton says his perspective on his role with the Los Angeles Lakers has changed since he made some disgruntled remarks about his usage in February.
Ayton, who is averaging a career-low 27.4 minutes per game in his first season with the Lakers, told The Athletic's Dan Woike he is getting used to spending long stretches on the bench.
"I'm telling you, once I sit that long, that's usually it," Ayton told Woike. "It's like … 'You out (of the game) for a reason — go think about it. But lately it's been like, 'Nah, DA. You good.'
"And I've completely … I bought in. Completely, like 110 percent. I hope you see the work."
Ayton added that adjusting to his newly defensive-focused role has required some self-reflection, per Woike.
"I just started looking in the mirror and said 'Yo bro, … you're not that guy. You don't need to be on this team doing that at all,'" Ayton told Woike. "This team, you came here to be the effort guy and close out possessions, rebound. Run the damn floor hard as hell, make bigs work, make superstars work. And I'm having fun with it, I'm not gonna lie."
Ayton had previously expressed frustration with the role he has taken on since signing with the Lakers last offseason in a February feature by ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
According to McMenamin, Ayton compared himself to Houston Rockets backup center Clint Capela after posting 21 points and 13 rebounds in a Feb. 24 loss to the Orlando Magic.
"They're trying to make me Clint Capela. I'm not no Clint Capela," Ayton said after the loss, per McMenamin.
The Lakers are heading into Wednesday on a six-game winning streak in part thanks to some strong performances from Ayton. He most recently spent a long stretch on the bench Monday night before stepping up in the clutch against the Rockets.
Head coach JJ Redick said after the game that Lakers staff had checked in on Ayton before putting him back on the court because of how long of a stretch he had been sitting out.
Ayton responded to the opportunity by collecting four offensive rebounds in the final four minutes to help the Lakers close out the victory.
"He was amazing," LeBron James said about Ayton after Monday's win. "I mean, just the fact that he was sitting over there for as long as he did and stayed locked in on the game, and come in and finish the game. Able to get a tip dunk, couple of jump hooks around the rim, a couple rebounds. He helped us to finish the game."
Ayton's newfound flexibility in his role has helped improve the Lakers' depth at a key time for a team still fighting for a top-four spot in the Western Conference.
Monday's win helped Los Angeles climb to 1.5 games ahead of Houston for the No. 3 seed. Ayton and the Lakers will now look to increase that advantage with another win over the Rockets during Wednesday's rematch in Houston.
