NBA Champs Criticize Deandre Ayton's 'Loser Mentality'

Udonis Haslem and Shaquille O'Neal call out Ayton's attitude after viral comments about teammate Clint Capela

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem has sharply criticized Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton's mentality, calling out his "loser mentality" after Ayton's controversial remarks about teammate Clint Capela went viral. Haslem emphasized the importance of accepting and embracing one's role, even when it's not the one desired, drawing from his own experience playing alongside Miami Heat's "Big 3." Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley have also weighed in, mocking Ayton's self-given nickname "Dominayton" and criticizing his inconsistent effort compared to Capela's hard-working role player mentality.

Why it matters

Ayton's comments and the subsequent backlash from NBA legends highlight the importance of team commitment and embracing one's role, even for highly talented players. This incident comes at a time when Ayton's performance has dipped compared to his career averages, raising questions about his mindset and fit with the Lakers.

The details

The incident occurred following a Lakers loss to the Orlando Magic on February 24, when Ayton was overheard saying he was not like Capela, triggering widespread backlash. Haslem, drawing from his experience playing alongside stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, emphasized that championship teams demand everyone to play their part, regardless of personal preference. Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley have also criticized Ayton, with O'Neal pointing out the mismatch between Ayton's effort and the standards set by Capela, and Barkley mocking Ayton's self-given nickname "Dominayton."

  • On February 24, Ayton's comments about Clint Capela went viral after a Lakers loss to the Orlando Magic.
  • Haslem's critique of Ayton's mentality was made during an appearance on NBA on Prime on March 6, 2026.

The players

Deandre Ayton

A 27-year-old center for the Los Angeles Lakers, who was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft and remains without an NBA title.

Udonis Haslem

A three-time NBA champion who played alongside stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh with the Miami Heat, known for his veteran leadership and willingness to embrace a supporting role.

Clint Capela

A hard-working role player known for his consistent effort and contribution to the Atlanta Hawks.

Shaquille O'Neal

A legendary NBA player and four-time champion, who has criticized Ayton's effort and mentality on ESPN Tip-Off.

Charles Barkley

A Hall of Fame NBA player and analyst who has mocked Ayton's self-given nickname "Dominayton" on Inside the NBA.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I understand you might not be Clint Capela, but let me tell you something. That is a losing mentality. If this is what your team needs from you to put them in a position to win a championship, then you have to buy in and play your role.”

— Udonis Haslem, Three-time NBA champion (NBA on Prime)

“He is not Clint Capela, because Clint Capela plays hard every game. Clint Capela is a role player. Deandre Ayton is a role player. They're not going to be on the same team as LeBron and Luka and thinking you're gonna get shots. … If you just do your job, pick and rebound, and run the court, you can get easy buckets. I wish my career was this easy.”

— Shaquille O'Neal (ESPN Tip-Off)

“This man out here talking about insulting Clint Capela, then he gives himself a nickname like Dominayton. Dominayton, my a**.”

— Charles Barkley (Inside the NBA)

What’s next

The Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, in a game that could further test Ayton's commitment to his role and the team's success.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of team commitment and embracing one's role, even for highly talented players like Deandre Ayton. Veteran leaders like Udonis Haslem, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley have emphasized that championship teams require everyone to contribute consistently, regardless of personal preferences or statistics.