The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up to face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 9 p.m. ET at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Entering as 5.5-point favorites, the Lakers are looking to shake off a narrow 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic earlier this week.
The encouraging news for Lakers fans is the return of key players like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, who are all set to play. Their presence comes at a crucial time as the team seeks to regain momentum in the season.
Reflecting on the recent loss to Orlando, Marcus Smart offered his thoughts on the team's performance, particularly focusing on former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton. In a candid postgame interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Smart acknowledged Ayton's efforts, saying, "He definitely could be better, we all could. But the thing I love about it is he understands it, and he's working."
Smart's comments highlight the team's collective effort to improve, emphasizing Ayton's role in their strategy. Ayton delivered a solid performance against Orlando, posting 21 points and 13 rebounds.
Over the season, he's averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. While these numbers are below his usual standards, Ayton's contributions have been vital for the Lakers in securing victories.
As the Lakers prepare for the Suns, the focus will be on harnessing the full potential of their lineup. With their stars back in action, the team is poised to make a strong push in the upcoming game.