Lakers fans are buzzing about a tense moment between LeBron James and Deandre Ayton. During a recent game against the Sacramento Kings a camera caught LeBron giving Ayton a very cold and frustrated look. This happened while Ayton was sitting on the bench talking to a coach. Many people believe LeBron is unhappy with how much effort the center is putting in lately.
The video quickly went viral on social media and fans are already predicting a trade. People are looking back at history to show why this look matters so much. In the past when LeBron gave similar stares to teammates like Kyrie Irving or Dwyane Wade they were traded shortly after. Fans are joking that LeBron is already making calls to the front office to find a replacement.
The game itself was a tough loss for the Lakers with a final score of one hundred and twenty-four to one hundred and twelve. LeBron played well and scored twenty-two points but it was not enough to get the win. Ayton did manage to get thirteen points and thirteen rebounds during the game. Despite those numbers his overall performance has been slipping over the last few weeks.
At the beginning of the season Ayton was playing great and putting up big numbers every night. However since the middle of December his scoring and rebounding have dropped off significantly. He has even publicly complained that he cannot create his own shots. This kind of talk has frustrated the coaching staff and his teammates who need him to be more aggressive.
Head coach JJ Redick has also noticed that Ayton seems frustrated on the court. He mentioned that the big man likely feels left out because the team has so many other stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron. But in the NBA you have to find ways to help the team even when you aren’t the main focus. If his attitude doesn’t improve many believe he will be gone before the trade deadline.
The Lakers are currently trying to fix their defense and rebounding issues to stay competitive. They have a few draft picks and some expiring contracts they could use to make a big move. With the trade deadline coming up fast the pressure is on for Ayton to prove he belongs. If he keeps getting these stares from LeBron his time in Los Angeles might be coming to a very quick end.
