Who knew that Jonathan Kuminga finally leaving the Golden State Warriors would lead to Evan Turner offering a crucial lesson that even Deandre Ayton could learn from? That one was not on the bingo card for 2026, but the Los Angeles Lakers will certainly hope their starting center frequents Twitter/X so he can read the message.
Confused? Let's get up to speed.
The Warriors finally put an end to Kuminga's time in Golden State by trading him away to the Atlanta Hawks in a package for Kristaps Porzingis. After a long and drawn-out saga in the Bay Area, both sides finally ripped the chord.
A report from Anthony Slater suggested one of the biggest points of discontent from both parties was the plan for Kuminga's development. Steve Kerr wanted his forward to built in the mold of a Shawn Marion or Aaron Gordon. Kuminga viewed himself as more. That led to Turner chiming in.
Turner wrote, "I remember one time my coach said he viewed me as 'Richard Jefferson' and that was the first time i truly understood Latrell Sprewell . P.S. I’d trade the career I had for Richard Jefferson so it ain’t no shade. I just thought I was Kobe [Bryant]."
Who does that oddly remind you of? If your answer was Ayton, ding ding ding, come and get your prize.
Deandre Ayton still needs to figure out that less is more in Los Angeles
The conversations of touches and the effort that comes with them are growing more frustrating by the day. Is there truly no way of getting consistent focus from Ayton without giving him a hefty chunk of offense that could otherwise be spent looking for the best shot on every possession?
Turner thought of himself as Bryant coming up in his career. Ayton may just believe himself to be Hakeem Olajuwon in that same light. In case anyone needed clarification, he's not.
Mind you, the Lakers center is 27 years old and far past the point of where this type of mindset should still follow him. Sure, there was a time when being a first overall pick would have meant something regarding offensive touches. It doesn't at this stage.
I spoke with Blazers center Deandre Ayton on adjusting to a rebuilding team, his injuries & if he has something to prove. Ayton: "I got nothing to prove in this league. I’m a max player, and I’ll continue to be a max player." My dispatch for @ticketrules https://t.co/DwjbIDqJy7
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 23, 2024
The problem is Ayton is the same guy who believed there was nothing left to prove once that max contract was secured. The memo may not have caught up just yet that he was bought out from that deal.
There were times throughout the campaign when the Lakers big played the part of a good role player too. Los Angeles still needs Ayton to be a reliable rim protector, glass presence, and score when the opportunities come his way. The first two being contingent on that last element is not going to fly.
Turner's advice screams out for Ayton's attention. Being Kobe is unnecessary. Being RJ would be perfect. Adapt those equivalents to the center position as you will.