Deandre Ayton's taste for delusion is poisoning the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Making matters worse, Ayton doesn't seem to be receiving a ton of constructive criticism from his teammates, even though Houston Rockets center Clint Capela just showed them how to keep Ayton in check.
That being said, Lakers guard Marcus Smart is an exception to LA's strategy of Ayton avoidance. During Thursday's loss to the Phoenix Suns, Smart could be seen calling out Ayton in the middle of the game for missed defensive assignments and for Ayton's poor effort, in general.
Marcus Smart isn't afraid to hold Deandre Ayton accountable
Anyone familiar with Smart's identity and character won't be surprised to see him chewing out Ayton. Smart's Defensive Player of the Year victory in 2022 wasn't just a result of Smart's quick feet or deceptive physical strength. More so, it was a reflection of Smart's indomitable will and never-say-die attitude on the defensive end, a mindset that he's embraced throughout his entire basketball life, dating back to Oklahoma State and beyond.
When Smart was a member of the Boston Celtics, he served as Boston's emotional leader and defensive tone-setter. Never one to shy away from confrontation, Smart was an integral, "tough love" part of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum's development in Boston.
Even if Smart's leadership is taken for granted in Lakerland while fans are preoccupied with Luka Doncic's whining or LeBron James's future, real ones know that Marcus's influence on a guy like Ayton is what might make the difference between the Lakers folding like a chair in a playoff series or buckling down and transforming into a tough out.
The Lakers need to start calling each other out for lack of effort
It's still not too late for the 2025-26 Lakers to adopt some sustained toughness, and Smart's recent mid-game reprimanding of Ayton shows that not everyone in purple and gold has thrown in the towel from a pride perspective.
You can always count on Marcus to treat each game like it's his last, and that's exactly the type of mentality that the Lakers need more of right now.
Ayton may very well be a lost cause, despite Smart's efforts. But what Marcus just displayed is that the Lakers' season is worth fighting for, and his teammates should follow suit.
Having lost five of seven, LA's back is against the wall, and the next week will be a barometer for this team's collective will. If the Lakers are going to be a serious entity in the postseason, it's time to start holding each other accountable and throw all niceties out the window.