Deandre Ayton Leads Lakers with 11.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG in First Round
Deandre Ayton arrived in Los Angeles with a clear mission: to feel the intensity of postseason basketball once again.
His words before boarding the flight to Oklahoma City highlighted how much he missed the “whole atmosphere” of the playoffs.
The former No. 1 overall pick has now appeared in 45 playoff games over three seasons, surpassing the career totals of former No. 1 selections Brad Daugherty (41), Ralph Sampson (38) and Yao Ming (28).
Those numbers underscore how rare it is for a top draft pick to accumulate extensive postseason experience early in a career.
Ayton’s journey has been marked by contrast, from two seasons in Portland with only 57 regular‑season wins to a resurgence with the Lakers.
He described those Portland years as a period when he “disappeared,” emphasizing the emotional toll of missing the postseason.
Now, as the Lakers prepare to face the No. 1‑seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, Ayton embraces the spotlight that comes with the big stage.
Coach JJ Redick praised Ayton as the player who raises the Lakers’ ceiling the most, citing his consistency and professionalism.
In the first‑round series against the Houston Rockets, Ayton posted averages of 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in 31 minutes per game.
Those figures placed him among an elite group that also included Nikola Jokić, Karl‑Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum and Alperen Şengün.
Ayton’s performance against the Rockets was instrumental in the Lakers advancing, as Redick noted his “baseline” of daily effort.
The upcoming matchup presents new challenges, with Thunder rim‑protector Chet Holmgren capable of disrupting Ayton’s finesse at the rim.
Additionally, Isaiah Hartenstein’s physicality will demand a game‑long commitment from Ayton.
Marcus Smart, acquired alongside Ayton, understands the hunger for meaningful basketball after missing the playoffs the prior two years.
Both veterans are on player options for next season—Ayton at $8.1 million and Smart at $5.3 million—making their playoff impact a bargaining chip.
Smart and Ayton represent “boom or bust” risks that the Lakers accepted, a gamble that paid dividends in the first round.
Smart emphasized that they are both trying to regain favor with the “basketball gods” by proving their continued value.
Only three players—LeBron James, James Harden and Paul George—have more playoff experience than Smart this postseason.
Mike Conley of Minnesota also entered the second round with 114 playoff games, matching Smart’s veteran status.
Smart’s defensive contributions were notable, tying for the league lead with 16 steals alongside Ausar Thompson.
He also knocked down 13 three‑pointers in the first round, outpacing notable shooters like Jamal Murray, CJ McCollum and Luke Kennard.
The Lakers will now need to translate those first‑round successes into a deeper run against a formidable Thunder squad.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, the NBA’s reigning regular‑season and Finals MVP, will be the primary focus of Smart’s defensive game plan.
Smart highlighted Gilgeous‑Alexander’s ability to draw fouls and get to the free‑throw line as a key challenge.
Limiting the Thunder’s explosive scoring runs, which average 8.3 points even in losses, will be critical for Los Angeles.
Smart stressed the importance of managing timeouts and staying disciplined to prevent the Thunder’s momentum swings.
The Thunder’s home arena amplifies the difficulty, with fans creating a “thunderous” environment that can drown out communication.
Ayton acknowledged that playing in Oklahoma City requires heightened focus due to the noise and intensity.
Beyond individual matchups, the Lakers’ overall strategy will hinge on maintaining defensive cohesion and rebounding dominance.
Ayton’s double‑double average illustrates his role as a reliable anchor in the paint for Los Angeles.
His ability to control the boards limits second‑chance opportunities for the opposition and fuels transition offense.
The Lakers’ coaching staff has emphasized spacing and ball movement to complement Ayton’s interior presence.
Integrating Smart’s perimeter defense with Ayton’s interior play creates a balanced approach against the Thunder’s versatile lineup.
Both players’ contracts position them as valuable assets in upcoming free‑agency negotiations.
Demonstrating playoff productivity enhances their marketability to teams seeking immediate contributors.
The Lakers’ front office will assess whether to retain Ayton and Smart beyond their current options based on postseason performance.
Historically, the franchise has prized veterans who thrive under pressure, a tradition that aligns with Ayton’s current trajectory.
Ayton’s resurgence mirrors the franchise’s recent emphasis on blending youth with experienced role players.
Los Angeles entered the season with high expectations, and the playoff run validates many of those preseason projections.
The team’s depth, highlighted by contributions from role players, has been a decisive factor in their postseason success.
Statistical comparison underscores Ayton’s impact relative to other elite big men in the first round.
| Player | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Deandre Ayton | 11.8 | 10.8 |
| Nikola Jokić | — | — |
| Karl‑Anthony Towns | — | — |
While Jokić and Towns’ exact numbers were not disclosed, Ayton’s production placed him in the same elite category.
Smart’s statistical contributions further illustrate his two‑way value to the Lakers.
| Stat | Value | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Steals (First Round) | 16 | Tied for Lead |
| Three‑Pointers Made | 13 | Among Leaders |
The Lakers’ ability to adapt tactically will be tested against Oklahoma City’s fast‑break efficiency.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander leads the league in points per possession on transition, a metric the Lakers must contain.
Coach Redick’s adjustments will likely focus on rotating defensive assignments to keep the Thunder’s shooters off rhythm.
Ayton’s presence in the low‑post can deter drives and force the Thunder to rely more on perimeter shooting.
The series also offers a platform for veteran leader LeBron James to mentor both Ayton and Smart during high‑stakes moments.
James’ playoff experience, the most among active players, provides a stabilizing influence for the younger big man.
Should the Lakers advance, the next round could pit them against another seasoned contender, further testing Ayton’s growth.
Regardless of outcome, Ayton’s expressed gratitude for the renewed attention underscores his mental readiness.
The player’s statement about “true professionalism” reflects a mindset aligned with the Lakers’ championship culture.
For Smart, the playoff run represents a chance to cement his reputation as a clutch performer.
His willingness to embrace heavy minutes against an MVP‑caliber opponent highlights his competitive drive.
The financial implications of their performances cannot be ignored, as successful playoffs often translate into higher market value.
Both Ayton and Smart will enter the offseason with enhanced negotiating leverage should they continue to deliver in high‑pressure situations.
The Lakers’ front office will weigh these factors when deciding on roster moves for the upcoming season.
In the broader context, the team’s resurgence adds another chapter to Los Angeles’ storied playoff history.
Fans and media alike are now refocusing their lenses on the Lakers, fulfilling Ayton’s desire to be “watched again.”
