Full Breakdown
Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart Return to NBA Playoffs with Lakers
4/19/2026, 2:43:01 AM
Anticipation for Playoff Basketball
Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart are set to make their returns to the NBA playoffs as members of the Los Angeles Lakers, facing the Houston Rockets in a first-round series. Ayton, who last played in the postseason in May 2023 with the Phoenix Suns, expressed his excitement, stating, “Personally, I’m very excited. I haven’t played playoff basketball in quite some time.” His absence from the playoffs for nearly three years included two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he did not participate in postseason games.
Smart, who has extensive playoff experience from his time with the Boston Celtics, is also eager to contribute to the Lakers' success. He has not played in the playoffs since 2023, having spent the last two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards. Smart noted the significance of returning, saying, “It means everything... I’m very excited to be back in the playoffs.”
Key Contributions to the Lakers
Both players played pivotal roles in the Lakers' successful regular season, which culminated in a 53-win record and the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Smart emerged as the team's best defender, participating in 62 games, while Ayton played a career-high 72 games, achieving a shooting percentage of 67.1%. Ayton reflected on his transition to the Lakers, emphasizing the intensity of the playoff atmosphere in Los Angeles, stating, “This place can get pretty loud... I just want to really just play hard as hell to contribute to wins.”
Official Statements & Responses
The Lakers organization has expressed confidence in Ayton and Smart's abilities to elevate the team's performance in the playoffs. Coach JJ Redick has been instrumental in preparing the players for the challenges ahead, focusing on their roles and the importance of teamwork. The Lakers are optimistic about their chances, given the experience and skills that both players bring to the court.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Lakers are favored to perform well, some analysts question the team's depth and overall playoff readiness. Critics point to the inconsistency in Ayton's past playoff performances and Smart's recent struggles with injuries as potential concerns that could impact the team's success in the postseason.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I haven’t played playoff basketball in quite some time.” — Deandre Ayton, Lakers Center
- “I’m very excited to be back in the playoffs.” — Marcus Smart, Lakers Guard
- “Coming out of these practices, [coach] JJ [Redick] gives you so much. And you have to dissect it sometimes, and you’re thinking about the environment, you think about the fans, thinking about the first game as a Laker in the playoffs. So I just try to find some time to catch myself, gather and just relax. I’ve been here before, but I am truly excited. I’m in the purple and gold, and I just want to really just play hard as hell to contribute to wins.” — Deandre Ayton, Lakers Center
As the Lakers prepare for their playoff journey, both Ayton and Smart are focused on making a significant impact, aiming to leverage their experiences to help the team advance further in the postseason.
