Breakdown
Performance
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May 2, 2026
Dominates glass in Game 6 win
Ayton supplied seven points (2-6 FG, 3-7 FT), 16 rebounds, one assist and one block across 28 minutes during Friday's 98-78 victory over Houston in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Analysis
Only three Lakers players -- LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves -- scored in double digits during Friday's victory, but Ayton produced in his own way by grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds, one less than his playoff high in Game 5 on Wednesday. Ayton has logged at least 10 rebounds in each of his last three games and will finish the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs having averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks over 31.0 minutes. Next up for the Lakers is a conference semifinal matchup against the top-seeded Thunder, and Ayton will have his hands full guarding Chet Holmgren.
April 30, 2026
Big double-double in Game 5 loss
Ayton registered 18 points (9-14 FG), 17 rebounds and two blocks in 38 minutes during Wednesday's 99-93 loss to Houston in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Analysis
The 17 boards were a series and season high for Ayton, and represented his best performance on the glass since Feb. 3 of last season, when he ripped down 20 rebounds for Portland in a win over Phoenix. Ayton has three double-doubles in five first-round games, averaging 12.8 points, 9.8 boards, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks for the series while shooting 63.8 percent from the floor, and he'll look to come up big again in Game 6 on Friday.
April 27, 2026
Ejected Sunday
Ayton has been ejected from Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.
Analysis
Ayton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for a hit to the head while guarding Alperen Sengun. He concludes the contest with 19 points (9-12 FG, 1-1 FT) and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes. Jaxson Hayes figures to see more time with Ayton out.