The Los Angeles Lakers enter their matchup towards the Indiana Pacers with momentum regardless of having their nine-game profitable streak snapped in a detailed loss to the Detroit Pistons. Even with the setback, the latest stretch has highlighted a crew starting to seek out rhythm and construct robust on-court chemistry.
Much of that success has been pushed by Luka Doncic, who has been dominant over the previous 10 video games, whereas Austin Reaves and Lebron James proceed to offer constant scoring assist.
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Contributions from DeAndre Ayton and Rui Hachimura have helped spherical out the offense, and Marcus Smart’s defensive presence has been key on the opposite finish of the ground.
However, the Lakers had been dealt extra unhealthy information earlier than Wednesday’s recreation towards the Indiana Pacers. Smart has been dominated out with a proper ankle contusion, and Hachimura will miss the sport attributable to proper calf soreness, marking their second straight absence. Ayton was additionally downgraded to questionable with again soreness (h/t Dan Woike of The Athletic).
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Hours earlier than tip-off, Los Angeles introduced one other replace, formally ruling Ayton out for the competition (h/t Khobi Price of The California Post). This might be a big setback for the Lakers, who’ve relied on a full-team effort throughout their latest success.
Losing Ayton will impression their rebounding presence, whereas Hachimura’s scoring and flooring spacing, together with Smart’s protection, hustle and secondary scoring, will all be missed. As a end result, the Lakers might have to lean extra closely on backup choices resembling Jaxson Hayes and Jake LaRavia.
Ayton has been productive this season, averaging 12.4 factors, 8.3 rebounds and 0.9 assists throughout 63 video games whereas taking pictures 67.2% from the sector and 61.9% from the free-throw line, barely under his earlier requirements.
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Hachimura has additionally delivered strong contributions, averaging 11.1 factors, 3.2 rebounds and 0.8 assists whereas taking pictures 50.5% from the sector and 43.8% from 3-point vary in 59 video games.
Smart has added 9.5 factors, 2.8 rebounds, and a couple of.8 assists, taking pictures 39.9% from the sector and 33.6% from 3-point vary throughout 60 video games, together with his impression extending past the stat sheet by way of his protection.
Los Angeles Lakers heart Deandre Ayton (5) towards the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A former Arizona standout and the No. 1 general decide within the 2018 NBA Draft, Ayton has developed right into a strong heart on the NBA stage. After incomes All-Rookie honors, he started his profession with the Phoenix Suns, the place he produced a number of robust seasons earlier than a stint with the Portland Trail Blazers and, ultimately, a transfer to Los Angeles. Injuries have slowed him at instances, as he has handled ankle and leg points all through his profession.
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Ayton has been considerably inconsistent with the Lakers however has proven enchancment because the playoffs strategy. He signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with Los Angeles in July 2025.
His long-term future with the crew stays unsure, as his function and efficiency down the stretch may play a key half in figuring out how the Lakers strategy subsequent season.
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This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Mar 25, 2026, the place it first appeared within the NBA part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
