DeAndre Ayton’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers has been underwhelming, and his recent performances have drawn sharp criticism from former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins. Speaking on the Road Trippin podcast, Perkins did not hold back in expressing his frustration with Ayton’s perceived lack of effort and urgency.
Perkins’ Scathing Comments On Los Angeles Lakers Star
Kendrick Perkins described Ayton’s recent play as “disturbing,” pointing to his lack of athleticism and effort on the court. “The s–t I’m witnessing from him right now is disturbing to watch him on the floor,” Perkins said. “He does nothing athletically, he’s not going to lunge for basketballs, he’s not going to make the extra effort – like I just don’t get it.”
Perkins also questioned Ayton’s accountability, suggesting that the center needs to take a hard look at himself. “Sooner or later, if I’m beefing with 10 people and I got a problem with 10 people and 10 people got a problem with me, it ain’t the 10 people that’s the damn problem. Sooner or later, I got to go check myself.”
DeAndre Ayton’s Recent Struggles
Ayton’s recent performances have done little to silence his critics. Over his last two games, he has averaged just 4 points and 6.5 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. For a former first overall pick expected to anchor the Lakers’ frontcourt, those numbers fall far short of expectations.
Perkins also pointed to Ayton’s body language as a concern, suggesting that even LeBron James may be losing faith in him. “I could tell you this: We all played with LeBron James, boy, I know the signs when LeBron is off your a–, you ain’t even got to tell me,” Perkins said. “It’s getting to that point. He just doesn’t play with any damn force. It’s a damn shame.”
Broader Issues for the Lakers
Ayton’s struggles are just one of several issues plaguing the Lakers. Head coach JJ Redick recently called out Luka Doncic for a lack of trust in his teammates, emphasizing the need for better ball movement and offensive cohesion. “There’s got to be a trust factor with all our guys,” Redick said. “That starts with Luka. … He’s got to trust the pass when it gets to him.”
The Lakers, currently navigating a challenging season, appear to be looking ahead to the offseason for significant roster improvements. According to The Athletic, the team views the February 5 trade deadline as a stopgap, with the real work expected to take place in the summer.
What’s Next for Ayton and the Lakers?
For Ayton, the criticism from Perkins and others highlights the urgency for him to step up and meet the expectations that come with playing for a storied franchise like the Lakers. Whether he can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but his recent performances suggest there is significant work to be done.
As for the Lakers, the team faces a critical stretch as they attempt to address its on-court issues and position itself for a playoff push. With questions surrounding Ayton’s role, Doncic’s leadership, and LeBron James’ future, the Lakers have plenty to figure out before the offseason.
