Deandre Ayton is not doing himself any favors with his performances as a Laker. The franchise’s fans are demanding, and the way Ayton has been playing and behaving, for that matter, is turning him into the symbolic face of many of the team’s problems.
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Against the Dallas Mavericks, Ayton was terrible, scoring just nine points in 24 minutes. He got 11 rebounds, though. The Lakers won the game 116-110, but had they lost, the blame would most certainly have fallen on Ayton.
Throughout the game, the former Phoenix Suns center missed multiple layups and lobs, and had a +/- of -12. Evidently, he was the weak link on the Lakers’ roster against the Mavs. After the game, NFL legend and analyst Shannon Sharpe lashed out at the Bahamian.
As a Lakers fan, Sharpe was astonished at how bad Ayton was and took to X multiple times to criticize the former No. 1 Draft pick. “Ayton just misses layup after layup after tip shot. 7-foot and sorry,” commented Sharpe mid-game, showcasing zero patience for the big man.
Ayton just misses layup after layup after tip shot. 7ft and sorry
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) January 25, 2026
The fact that Ayton has looked so devoid of energy and strength, despite his physical stature, has annoyed Laker Nation, especially because size was one of the main reasons he was signed in the offseason. Ayton started the season decently, but he’s slowly lost touch around the rim, with coach JJ Redick even limiting his touches.
Against the Mavericks, the Lakers found themselves down 15 points at one stage. But they came back when Redick pulled Ayton out of the lineup. Sharpe was quick to point that out as well.
“[The] Lakers blew a big lead and then came back from double digits down once JJ removed a certain player from the lineup. Rui caught fire from 3, Smart timely shots, and played out standing defense. Luka was Luka, and Bron chipped in with 17,” Sharpe wrote on X.
Lakers blew a big lead and then came bck from double digits dwn once JJ removed a certain player from the lineup. Rui caught fire from 3, Smart timely shots and played out standing defense. Luka was Luka and Bron chipped in with 17. #LakeShow #
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) January 25, 2026
The Lakers looked much better without Ayton in the closing stages of the fourth quarter. Redick went for a smaller lineup with LeBron James at center. They overturned the deficit to win by six. It was a sign that maybe they are better without him.
The trade deadline is fast approaching. Will the Lakers find a way to part ways with the man who has fallen out of favor with the coach and the fanbase?
