Of all the potential storylines coming into this first round playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, one that hasn’t gotten as much attention as many might have assumed is the matchup between Deandre Ayton and Clint Capela.
Earlier this season, Ayton was heard taking a shot at Capela out of frustration of the perceived role the Lakers wanted him to play. Now, Capela has finally responded and admitted that he was surprised to hear his name come out of Ayton’s mouth, via Melissa Rohlin of the California Post:
“I was surprised,” Capela told The California Post. “I don’t know why I’m in someone else’s head. I don’t talk to the guy.”
Capela would continue on, feeling that if he’s on people’s minds while just doing what he needs to do for his team, that is ultimately a good thing:
“If people are thinking about me while I’m just doing my thing, I guess it’s a good thing,” Capela told The Post.
Earlier in his career, Capela thrived as a member of the Rockets in a role that simply required him to set screens and catch lobs from James Harden, rebound the ball and protect the rim on defense. He had a lot of success and was paid very well, but Ayton feels he is more offensively talented than what that type of role asks him to do and let out his frustrations with a jab thrown Capela’s way.
It was also pointed out that prior to the start of this season, Ayton had said that he wouldn’t be focused on scoring. To his credit, Ayton has since reflected on what the Lakers need from him and embraced rebounding and defense as his primary role and this team has been better for it.
Capela isn’t seeing much court time so far this series and Ayton has been a big part of the Lakers taking a 2-0 lead over the Rockets, so it is unlikely we see any sort of response from the big man. He is more focused on continuing to do what the team needs in order to continue their success this series.
Lakers’ Deandre Ayton having fun playing defense against Rockets
Ayton’s offensive numbers haven’t stood out so far in these playoffs, but he is still playing his role for the Lakers with how important he has been on the defensive end. And the big man admitted that he is having fun playing defense against the Rockets so far.
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