The Los Angeles Lakers secured a place in the Western Conference semifinals by closing out the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on Thursday night, 98-78. The victory, highlighted by the club’s most disciplined defensive showing of the series, featured pivotal contributions from guard Marcus Smart and center Deandre Ayton.
Smart filled the box score with two steals and two blocks, while Ayton anchored the paint with 16 rebounds and a block. After the game, Smart insisted that Ayton’s presence was the primary reason Los Angeles advanced.
“For me, it’s D.A.,” Smart said. “He was locked in from start to finish, set the tone on defense and made it easier for the rest of us to do our jobs.”
The veteran guard added that Ayton had promised all season to elevate his play once the postseason began. “He’s been saying it all year: just wait until I get to the playoffs. Fans are finally seeing that side of him,” Smart continued. “I love him, I’m proud of him, and I’m happy he’s getting the confidence he’s been looking for.”
Los Angeles signed Ayton last summer with hopes he could become the franchise’s long-term answer at center. While his overall impact remains a developing storyline, the Lakers have consistently performed better when the 7-footer is active on the glass and engaged defensively—a trend that proved decisive against Houston.
Head coach JJ Redick spread the praise across the roster, emphasizing that every player embraced his role during the six-game series. “The reason our team is winning is because of our team,” Redick said. “Each guy is starring in his role and contributing to winning. I thought the collective tonight was awesome, especially defensively.”
The Lakers now await their second-round opponent, carrying momentum from a series in which disciplined defense—and Ayton’s resurgence—pushed them forward.
Source: Lakers Nation
