Ayton's breakthrough Game 4 spoiled by ejection
Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) shoots the ball as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) defends during the third quarter during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. HOUSTON -- The Los Angeles Lakers were bracing for a sweep Sunday night in Houston. After an emotional Game 3 overtime victory that defied the laws of win probability, the Lakers needed 48 more minutes to eliminate the Houston Rockets and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2023.
The mission was not accomplished in a 115-96 Game 4 defeat, but the Lakers finally unlocked the version of Deandre Ayton they awaited all series. With the offense struggling to the tune of 24 turnovers and a 5-of-22 showing from three, Ayton kept his team afloat through two-and-a-half quarters with one of his best showings donning purple and gold. The former No.
1 overall pick combined for a mere eight points in his prior two outings. But on Sunday night, he contributed a team-high 19 points — six more than the next closest Laker — on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting, regularly getting favorable position in the post to drain high-percentage hook shots. “It’s been tough for DA,” Lakers point guard Marcus Smart said.
“We’ve been hard on him. He’s been hard on himself. [The media] has been hard on him.
It’s all good though. He’s been taking it and embracing it and trying to get better and better. Today he showed that.