How Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart helped Lakers oust Rockets: 'Playoffs (are) where it counts'

HOUSTON — The two castoffs were triumphant in the Toyota Center visiting locker room.On Friday, they helped the Los Angeles Lakers close the door on their first-round series with the Houston Rockets.But 10 months ago, they were unemployed. The Portland Trail Blazers had bought out center Deandre Ayton’s contract; the Wizards had bought out guard Marcus Smart’s.Advertisement