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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during play against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Deandre Ayton had another underwhelming performance in the LA Lakers’ Game 3 loss against the OKC Thunder on Saturday night. Ayton had 10 points and six rebounds, but only pulled down one defensive rebound throughout the game.
There were also sequences where Ayton allowed numerous second-chance opportunities for the Thunder, especially in the second half, where the Thunder outscored the Lakers, 74-49, to pull away with the win.
With Ayton’s subpar performance, he drew the ire of LeBron James’ friend and NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe accused Ayton of not trying in Game 3, allowing the Thunder to pounce on his inactivity in the paint.
“He didn’t even try tonight. It’s not his fault,” he said. “Even if he tried they probably lose by 15. Even if he tries. But the fact that he didn’t try, I mean look at the offensive rebounds?”
“Little guys are getting offensive rebounds and he’s standing there! He had one that he tried to layup and he got it blocked. He got it back then, but misses the whole damn rim. They turn the ball over too much. They can’t defend. They attack AR [Austin Reaves],” Sharpe, a former NFL player, said.
Shannon Sharpe GOES IN on Deandre Ayton and the Lakers:
“He didn’t even try tonight! It’s not his fault. Even if he tried they probably lose by 15. Even if he tries. But the fact that he didn’t try, I mean look at the offensive rebounds? Little guys are getting offensive… https://t.co/DPOh13RDDD pic.twitter.com/dh8ZxwCx8B
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 10, 2026
The Thunder outrebounded the Lakers, 43-37, throughout the game. While that difference is not exactly wide, the defensive rebounding numbers show a different story. The Thunder had 31 defensive rebounds, eight more than the Lakers.
It was not only Game 3, as Ayton has also had lackluster performances in the first two games of the series.
In Game 2, he only put up three points and 10 rebounds, shooting 1-of-7 from the field. He notched 10 points and 12 rebounds in the series opener, which the Lakers also lost.
In the fourth quarter of Game 3, Deandre Ayton gave up two offensive rebounds for the Thunder, causing him to get benched.
After the play, Lakers head coach JJ Redick was seen ranting about Ayton’s performance on the bench.
“I can’t play him,” Redick said as seen in the broadcast.
Ayton only played 24 minutes in the game. Redick tried his backup centers Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes, but both only played under 10 minutes in Game 3, before he decided to go small ball late in the game.
Ayton’s performance remains pivotal for the Lakers in Game 4 as they look to contain the Thunder’s drives and paint touches while preserving possessions.
GettyJJ Redick disciplines Deandre Ayton throughout the season.
Last month, Ayton opened up about how JJ Redick disciplines him when his effort is far from what is expected from him.
“I feel like when I’m not doing what I’m supposed to do, it’s contagious,” Ayton said after a regular-season game last month. “I’m hard on myself, especially when JJ is upset, because when it comes to that effort on multiple plays, I’m one of those guys he is definitely talking to. I take pride in that.”
Deandre Ayton on how he handles JJ Redick calling out the teams effort in losses:
“I feel like when i’m not doing what i’m supposed to do, it’s contagious. I be hard on myself especially when JJ is upset because when it comes to that effort on multiple plays, i’m one of those
Ayton is expected to, at least, up his efforts in Game 4 as the Lakers hope to steal one and extend the series against the Thunder.
Rob Andrew Lo Rob Andrew Lo is a writer at Heavy Sports and is covering the NBA. He has covered local, collegiate, professional and international sports in various sites. He was the sports editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of University of Santo Tomas, and a sports, entertainment, and lifestyle writer for Rappler. A Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has built his voice across both collegiate and international platforms, previously contributing NBA coverage to Fansided and Sportskeeda. More about Rob Andrew Lo
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