The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their third straight loss, falling 124-112 to Sacramento. However, the final score wasn’t what had fans talking, because one portion of the fanbase was already busy discussing LeBron James’ retirement as he wore a custom patch to celebrate his 23rd NBA season.
Other portions of the fanbase are getting a notorious vibe about a second-quarter moment that went viral faster than the Kings’ fast break as the Lakers’ Kings gave DeAndre Ayton the coldest bench look.
LeBron James Gives DeAndre Ayton Ultimate ‘Get Off My Team’ Look
Cameras captured James staring at DeAndre Ayton on the bench while the King was chewing his mouthguard. His eyes locked on his starting center, and his deadly stare was enough for folks to understand the 41-year-old is pissed off with Ayton on the roster.
Ayton finished with 13 points on seven shots against the Kings. Though the numbers look fine on paper, his effort level through the season told a different story. He has averaged 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last ten games. Quite frankly, that output sounds more like the production of a rotation player and less like a starting center.
Why LeBron looking at Ayton like that 😭 pic.twitter.com/VqQqSxGpuo
— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 🏆 (@PurpGolded) January 13, 2026
Coach JJ Redick pulled Ayton immediately after a lazy defensive sequence last week. The commentator noted Ayton “looks gassed” as Jaxson Hayes replaced him. When the backup center brings more energy than him, it is hard to ignore the optics.
This makes fans speculate that James’ stare wasn’t just about one game but rather represented months of disappointment.
Fans Roast DeAndre Ayton After Viral LeBron James Stare-Down
The look conveyed what LeGM might be thinking ahead of the trade deadline. Folks on social media didn’t hold back while putting their hot reaction on the table.
One fan wrote, “That’s the ‘trade this sorry ni—’ Batman signal.”
Another fan added, “That’s LeBron’s infamous ‘you gone’ look 👀 One look and you gone 💨”
A third noted, “‘Get off my team.”
The fourth shared, “Trade deadline look.”
A fifth fan penned, “Because his trash.”
It’s clear the Lakers never saw Ayton as a long-term answer at center. Meanwhile, LeBron once again delivered his familiar sideline stare. When he focuses on a teammate like that, change often follows — often leading to better performance. How it affects Ayton remains to be seen, but with the trade deadline approaching, time is really very short.
