Deandre Ayton will start the subsequent chapter of his NBA profession with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following a two-year stint with the Portland Path Blazers, the previous No. 1 total choose, Deandre Ayton, has joined the enduring Los Angeles Lakers.
After negotiating a contract buyout with the Path Blazers, Ayton has signed a two-year deal at a mere $16.6 million. Now, that’s an enormous steal.
Talking of Ayton on the Lakers, it’s the proper time to revisit what franchise legend Shaquille O’Neal advised him in 2018.
Being the highest choose within the 2018 NBA Draft as a middle, Ayton was clearly in comparison with the Huge Aristotle as many anticipated him to have an identical profession trajectory as Shaq.
Nevertheless, when O’Neal received a way of it, he had a easy but significant message for the then-Phoenix Suns star.
“I maintain listening to that this Ayton man will be the subsequent Shaq. My recommendation to Ayton is, don’t be the subsequent Shaq. Be the primary Ayton. I want you effectively. I hope you break all my information,” the Suns’ official X deal with shared O’Neal’s message in 2018.
Whereas O’Neal is a Corridor of Famer and has gained a plethora of accolades throughout his profession, together with 4 NBA Championships, he didn’t need Ayton to comply with in his footsteps.
As a substitute, he urged the proficient heart to carve out his personal NBA legacy throughout his profession.
Getting any type of message from a legendary determine like Shaq is a dream come true for any younger prospect.
As anticipated, Ayton was elated after discovering out what message Shaq had for him.
“It is advisable inform me that after this, so I can write it down and maintain it in my room. That’s motivation proper there to maintain me going, now,” Ayton mentioned, through Gina Mzell on X.
Quick ahead to 2025, and Ayton will quickly put on the enduring Purple and Gold jersey. This can be Ayton’s eighth season in his NBA profession. He can be enjoying below head coach JJ Redick, who’s keen on him.
Up to now, Ayton has averaged 16.4 factors, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per sport over 398 contests within the league. That’s nowhere close to O’Neal’s profession averages of 23.7 factors, 10.9 rebounds, and a pair of.5 assists per sport.
However as O’Neal’s motivation in 2018, Ayton wants to seek out his personal id within the league. Can he do this as a member of the Lakers? Solely time will inform.
