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Lakers Duo Ayton & Smart Eager for Playoff Return
19 Apr
Summary
- Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart haven't played playoff basketball in nearly three years.
- Ayton played in a career-high 72 games, shooting 67.1% from the field for the Lakers.
- Smart was the Lakers' top defender, playing 62 games with 54 starts.
Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart are set to make their return to the NBA playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking an end to nearly three-year absences from postseason play. Ayton expressed significant excitement, highlighting his eagerness to play playoff basketball again after his last appearance nearly three years prior with the Phoenix Suns.
Smart, who began his career with consistent playoff berths, also conveyed the deep meaning of returning to the postseason. He had previously played in 108 playoff games with the Boston Celtics, including multiple conference finals and the 2022 NBA Finals.
Ayton and Smart were instrumental in the Lakers' successful 53-win season, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Ayton had a career-high 72 games played and a career-best 67.1% field goal percentage. Smart proved to be the Lakers' most effective defender, playing in 62 games, his highest total since the 2022-23 season.
Ayton recalled his previous experience playing against the Lakers in the 2021 playoffs and acknowledged the intense atmosphere of playing in Los Angeles. He is determined to play hard and contribute to wins for his new team, the Lakers, now in the 'purple and gold'.
