The annual NBA All-Star Weekend is underway and typically features jaw-dropping moves, dunks, and shots on the hardwood from the league’s biggest stars.
This year’s game has unique rules and All-Stars scattered across multiple teams, including Los Angeles Lakers teammates Luka Doncic and LeBron James. One individual who some previously felt might become an All-Star during his career is Deandre Ayton, but the former No.1 pick hasn’t quite achieved that level, yet.
While he might not be a participant in any of this weekend’s games or contests for Saturday or Sunday, Ayton is in the Los Angeles area for other events. He recently appeared at an outdoor event for Foot Locker and stunned a crowd of spectators with a surprising shot that one doesn’t see every day.
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Ayton had a significant group of people watching him at the Crocs space during the Foot Locker Takeover experience as he heaved a “Granny shot” from across the street, high up in the air.
The ball traveled above the crowd and all the way over to the side of a massive building. Miraculously, it dropped in the basketball hoop’s net, creating an epic moment for all who saw it in person.
Immediately after the unbelievable shot, the crowd roared in celebration of Ayton’s feat. He quickly turned and got on one knee on the pavement, bowing his head as if praying, and then pretending to put on a cape before standing up and pointing to the sky above.
The Foot Locker Instagram video post drew over 82,000 Likes from fans and his Lakers teammate, Jake LaRavia. Along with that, there were over 2,700 comments, including many that called out Ayton’s skills when it comes to NBA games.
“Where was this energy in the 21 finals,” someone wrote, alluding to Ayton’s time on the Phoenix Suns.
“That boy can do everything but rebound I tell you 😂,” one commenter wrote.
Another commenter said, “But he can’t make a 10 footer this is crazy.”
“Suddenly his knee ain’t sore anymore 😂,” another commenter suggested.
“He won’t be here next season. Let him enjoy what’s left,” an IG commenter wrote.
Numerous comments focused on Ayton being unable to make shots and layups or get rebounds consistently. Some suggested a trade might be on the way for the former No. 1 pick who joined the Lakers’ roster this season.
The Lakers are currently 33-21 overall with Ayton averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds, while shooting at 67.5 percent from the field. He’s participated in 46 of his team’s 55 games this season, most recently getting ruled out this past Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks with a right knee injury.
Regarding that injury, The Athletic’s Dan Woike recently reported that Ayton underwent imaging. After receiving a clean image, the team is optimistic he’ll recover from his knee injury over the All-Star break.
He was among several stars who appeared on Friday at Foot Locker’s event for meet-and-greet sessions. Along with Ayton, others included NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards from the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball, and three-time NBA Slam Dunk champion, Mac McClung.
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