Shaquille O’Neal criticized Deandre Ayton’s impact during his lone Lakers season, saying the former center “didn’t do anything” before Los Angeles moved on this summer.

Shaquille O’Neal did not hold back when discussing former Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton following his departure from the franchise.


Shaquille O'Neal

Position
C

Age
54

Height
216 cm

Weight
147 kg

Birth place
United States of America

Ayton spent just one season in Los Angeles before the Lakers traded him to the Washington Wizards this summer for Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks.

His departure came after Los Angeles acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and committed to him on a four-year deal.

While discussing the Lakers’ revamped roster, O’Neal took a direct shot at Ayton’s impact during his time in purple and gold.

“It’s only one great center and a lot of good centers,” O’Neal told Heavy.com. “I don’t know what the Lakers offense is gonna look like yet, but you got guys … they can do a lot of stuff around the rim, unlike ‘Dominayton,’ who didn’t do anything.”

Shaq takes aim at Ayton’s Lakers stint

Ayton’s numbers were respectable during his lone season in Los Angeles, even if O’Neal was clearly unimpressed with his overall impact.

The former No. 1 overall pick started all 72 games he appeared in during the 2025-26 regular season, averaging 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists while shooting a career-best 67.1% from the field.

The Lakers subsequently chose to go in a different direction at center, acquiring Kessler after his injury-shortened 2025-26 campaign.

Kessler had averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over five games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

For O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, Ayton simply did not provide enough during his brief Lakers tenure.

The 28-year-old will now get another opportunity to reset his career in Washington after his time alongside Luka Doncic in Los Angeles lasted only one season.

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