Deandre Ayton Under Fire After Stephen A. Smith’s Harsh Criticism

The Los Angeles Lakers’ second-round series against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, hasn’t gone too well. While LeBron James is doing everything he can at 41, the same thing cannot be said about Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton.

There’s no doubt that the 27-year-old has struggled mightily on the floor in this year’s playoffs. Even coach JJ Redick has been caught on camera saying something negative about his big man. Truth be told, this Lakers team needs every ounce of Ayton’s energy in order to pull off an upset against OKC. However, the opposite has happened, especially in this series.

Due to DA’s regression, Stephen A. Smith has bluntly called him out in a lengthy tirade.

“He’s [Deandre Ayton] 7-1. He doesn’t look like he’s gained a pound. He doesn’t look like he’s spent any time in the gym working on his game or his body or anything. Looks like the same dude we’ve seen for years. Like literally, please make sure the check is in the account. I need my money, and I’ll show up, but I’m not really going to show up, but half the time,” Stephen A. said.