Overview
- A timeout clip from the loss to Sacramento showed LeBron James staring at Deandre Ayton, a moment that went viral and spurred fan speculation about Ayton’s standing.
- Markieff Morris said he and Luka Doncic watched Ayton in Portland and were baffled by some of his plays, expressing surprise that Los Angeles brought him in.
- Zach Lowe criticized Ayton’s development and defensive impact, noting that the center’s roughly 14 points on nearly 70% shooting and 8.5 rebounds have not translated into consistent two-way value.
- Head coach J.J. Redick has at times ridden Jaxson Hayes for energy, and Ayton has voiced frustration with his touches, saying, “Bigs can’t feed themselves.”
- No roster moves have been announced, but public critiques and a recent skid have increased outside chatter about a potential trade as the deadline approaches.