
Although there is enough accountability to go around amid the Los Angeles Lakers ’ 0-3 deficit versus the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals, Deandre Ayton will be an easy target for the public. The veteran center has been in that spot before — was the poster of the Phoenix Suns’ 2021 NBA Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks — but the backlash could be especially brutal if and when LA is eliminated from the 2026 playoffs.
A video is making its way around social media, and it shows the 27-year-old marveling at a flashy chain that displays his polarizing nickname, DominAyton, per Bleacher Report. Fans had plenty to say, as was to be expected.
Lakers' Deandre Ayton shows off his brand new 'DominAyton' chain
(Via izzyjeweler, nycluxury/IG) pic.twitter.com/JrruUKU74j
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 11, 2026
“More like ‘HibernAyton during the playoffs!” @LevelsPicks fired back on X. “That’ll look nice down in Cancun,” @JaredSturman23 quipped. “It will look really good when he signs with the Shanghai Sharks,” @ronnieuszenski taunted. “He ain’t dominayton NOTHING but a course on how to be soft and not be able to catch,” @elijahbowie commented. “If I’m this bad at self awareness please let me know ppl who love me,” @RoostheRealtor remarked.
Ayton averages a respectable 15.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game during his eight-year career, but he has not developed into the undeniable difference-maker the Suns thought they were getting when they selected him No. 1 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Despite making a noticeable impact against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, the former Arizona Wildcats star has struggled profusely versus OKC.
Deandre Ayton has been inconsistent offensively and on the glass during this series. He surrendered multiple rebounds in Game 3, with his unsuccessful effort drawing significant attention from social media, and perhaps even his head coach. The Lakers know they have no chance of genuinely challenging the Thunder unless the 7-footer rises to the occasion.
Considering the reactions he is receiving for the DominAyton chain, it will take a herculean performance to silence the critics. Game 4 tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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