Story perspectives

Lakers Down 3-0 as Ayton Criticized for Low Effort

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 3 to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena, falling behind 3-0 in the Conference semifinals.
Deandre Ayton (center) posted 10 points, six rebounds and five boards while shooting 39.3% (11-for-28), his lowest postseason averages, prompting analysts to criticize his low effort as demoralizing.
Ayton is on a two-year, $16.2 million deal with a player option for 2026-27, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

History

Historical Context

After the 2004 NBA Finals loss to Detroit, the Lakers traded Shaquille O’Neal—who had helped post a 56-26 regular-season record—to Miami, and the following 2004-05 campaign fell to 34-48, missing the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. That collapse, witnessed by Kobe Bryant, showed how costly a center could be, a lesson echoed today as 2024 Lakers trail 0-3 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 3 to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena, falling behind 3-0 in the Conference semifinals.
Deandre Ayton (center) posted 10 points, six rebounds and five boards while shooting 39.3% (11-for-28), his lowest postseason averages, prompting analysts to criticize his low effort as demoralizing.
Ayton is on a two-year, $16.2 million deal with a player option for 2026-27, after which he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

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