Deandre Ayton was clueless about Lakers’ first-round opponent in playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers have a tough task ahead as they will go up against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

The Lakers will be severely handicapped, as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are expected to sit out the series due to a hamstring injury and an oblique injury, respectively.

With the high-scoring duo out, Los Angeles will lean heavily on LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton against Houston.

Well, that is if Ayton finally realizes that they will face the Rockets. Apparently, the 27-year-old Ayton was clueless about their opponent in the first round, as shown in the video posted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

“How do you know this? When? I didn’t get a chance to go look at it. Let me get a chance to look at it, man. You spoiled the surprise, bro. You just blew it up,” said Ayton.

“You just ruined the damn surprise. I wanted to see who we got in the playoffs, and you just went ahead and spilled the tea right now.”

"Houston is your first-round opponent…"

Deandre Ayton: “How do you know this?”

"The league announced it."

DA: “When? I didn’t get a chance to go look at it… You spoiled the surprise, bro.”

(via @mcten)pic.twitter.com/jsrCZZRNUA

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 13, 2026

Ayton led the Lakers in their win over the Utah Jazz, 131-107, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, tallying 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.

It is hard to know if Ayton was just having a friendly banter with a reporter or if he was seriously irritated. But whatever it is, he needs to lock in as soon as possible.

Ayton will have his hands full against the Rockets as he will go toe to toe with Alperen Sengun. Also, to recall, Ayton threw shade at Clint Capela in February, which should also make for an interesting subplot as they battle in the playoffs.

Game 1 between the Lakers and the Rockets is on Saturday.

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