5 days ago
Deandre Ayton talks about his relationship with Shaquille O'Neal
Deandre Ayton seems eager to prove himself now that he's a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. He said at his introductory press conference that he wants to improve his rim protection, something that has been a big letdown throughout his career, and that he wants to make his critics eat their words.
He also revealed a somewhat surprising fact about his personal life that is Lakers-related. He said that he has a relationship with team legend Shaquille O'Neal that goes back to his days as a kid playing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.
Via Lakers Nation:
'Truly. It's the L.A. Lakers. I've been watching them all the time when I was younger as well,' Ayton said of the team's history when it comes to great centers. 'And just knowing the greats. One of the greats I do know is Shaquille O'Neal growing up. I had a good relationship with him.
'As a child growing up playing for EYBL teams, me and his son, Shareef O'Neal, and I've created that relationship with him. And playing in the playoffs and getting to talk to him, it's like 'Big Unc.' And we know how he had my back when I was winning as well. And just having that here is pretty cool.'
As everyone knows, O'Neal was as dominant a big man as the league has ever seen. In eight seasons with the Purple and Gold, he averaged 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.5 blocks a game, and he and Kobe Bryant led the franchise to three straight NBA championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Ayton was the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, and at seven feet and roughly 250 pounds, he was expected to be a sensation, especially given his 7-foot-5 wingspan and excellent athleticism. Even though he has solid career averages of 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds a game, there is a sense that he has been something of a disappointment so far as a pro.
He may not get the opportunity to increase his scoring average, given the fact that the Lakers boast LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but he can greatly improve his reputation around the league by dedicating himself to becoming a plus defender.
