When was the last time Deandre Ayton played in the NBA playoffs?

Deandre Ayton's last playoff game was nearly three years ago with the Phoenix Suns.

How long has it been since Marcus Smart played in the NBA playoffs?

Marcus Smart hadn't played postseason basketball for the past two seasons before joining the Lakers, with his last appearance being in 2023.

What roles did Ayton and Smart play for the Lakers in the regular season?

Ayton played a career-high 72 games shooting 67.1% from the field, while Smart was the team's best defender, playing 62 games with 54 starts.

Home / Sports / Lakers Duo Ayton & Smart Eager for Playoff Return

Lakers Duo Ayton & Smart Eager for Playoff Return

19 Apr

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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.

Lakers Duo Ayton & Smart Eager for Playoff Return

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.