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Former NBA Veteran Breaks Down the Real Reason Behind DeAndre Ayton’s Lakers Frustration
DeAndre Ayton (Image Credits: Imagn)

Former NBA Veteran Breaks Down the Real Reason Behind DeAndre Ayton’s Lakers Frustration

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty  |  Last updated Mar 5, 2026 11:08 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers are steadily marching away from the playoff spot. Plagued by inconsistencies throughout the season, the team is landing into more trouble. Recently, LeBron James denied accountability for his major miss against the Orlando Magic. And piling on the tension, DeAndre Ayton had a meltdown, which was pretty legit according to Gilbert Arenas. 

Ayton got frustrated following the Lakers’ 109-110 loss against the Magic. Expressing his displeasure, the 27-year-old accused the purple and gold brigade of trying to make him Clint Capela. Reflecting on the same, Arenas thought it was quite normal for Ayton to be angry. 

“He was drafted in front of Luka, there is a little ego there, too. You know what I mean? Let’s just be honest. I got picked before you. Everybody wants to feel like they are contributing on their own,” said Arenas on ‘The Gilbert Arenas Show.’

The message was clear. Both Ayton and Arenas pointed out how Capela was a lob-catching and rim-running center for the Houston Rockets. Adapting to his role perfectly, the Rockets star thrived as a vertical spacer. 

On the contrary, the 2018 No.1 overall draft pick believes that he has a lot more to offer than just being a dive man and a screen setter. Thus, having difficulty adjusting to his role, the former Portland Trail Blazers star voiced out his frustrations.

Meanwhile, as things heated up, Capela took time out to reply to Ayton. 

What Did Clint Capela Say To DeAndre Ayton?


DeAndre Ayton (Image Credits: Imagn)

Capela did not react after Ayton’s comments initially. But now it looks like the Rockets’ star was waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike back. During the Lakers’ 110-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns, the 27-year-old chipped in with only four rebounds and two points. 

Posting Ayton’s image to his Instagram story, Capela wrote, “U got 2 of the best floor general in the game, my dawg Lockinnn.”

Thus, it is evident that the heat has not subsided yet. As the league goes on, all eyes will be on how Ayton can prove himself a better player than Capela.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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