Clint Capela had a 14-word response to slander from Deandre Ayton

Feb. 27, 2026, 10:20 a.m. ET

Houston Rockets big man Clint Capela was minding his own business when he heard that Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton had called him out.

But, as we recently learned from a feature about the former No. 1 overall pick, Ayton is potentially frustrated with his role on the team. Here is more from Dave McMenamin (via ESPN):

Ayton made his way back toward the showers and said what he really felt — loud enough for anyone still in the locker room to hear.

“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said, referring to the Houston Rockets‘ now backup center, who a decade ago made his impact as a lob-catching, rim-running big on a team that made it to two conference finals.

“I’m not no Clint Capela!”

Capela saw the comment published by ESPN and had his own response via Instagram:

Capela is right: Ayton is playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. A more simplified role, like what Capela plays, could do him wonders.

He needs to remember that more often so that he fits in, not out, with the Lakers.