Lakers’ Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton eager to be back in NBA playoffs

Lakers’ Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton eager to be back in NBA playoffs

It’s been three years since Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton were last in the playoffs. They’re relishing playing postseason basketball again with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Deandre Ayton has measured view of Lakers' Game 1 win against Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers went into their first-round series as huge underdogs against the Houston Rockets, but they landed the first punch with a Game 1 win at home after Kevin Durant was ruled out, joining Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as All-Star-caliber players unable to suit up. Deandre Ayton had an exceptional Lakers playoff debut with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists on 8-of-10 shooting and while he was happy with the win, he is not ge…