Ayton (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Heat.
Ayton will not play in Sunday's contest due to back spasms that arose during Friday's bout against the Grizzlies. Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role at center, while Jarred Vanderbilt could also get extra run to supplement the frontcourt.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Downgraded to questionable
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Ayton (back) is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Ayton was originally labeled probable for Sunday's game, but he has now been downgraded to questionable as he continues to deal with tightness and spasms in his back. If he is unable to go, Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Probable for Sunday
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Ayton (back) is probable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Ayton experienced back spasms during Friday's win over the Grizzlies and didn't return. According to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, head coach JJ Redick said the big man was available to check back in but was held out as a precaution. Over six regular-season games, Ayton has averaged 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 31.5 minutes per contest.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Dealing with back spasms
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Ayton logged only 17 minutes on the floor Friday against the Gizzlies before not returning due to back spasms, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Ayton was available to return in the fourth quarter, according to head coach JJ Redick. However, the team chose to keep him sidelined as a precaution. The veteran big man finished with nine points (4-6 FG, 1-1 FT) and no other stats across the board.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Records double-double in victory
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Ayton had 17 points (8-11 FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one block in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 116-115 win over the Timberwolves.
Ayton crafted his second double-double of the season during the thrilling last-second win. The Lakers are currently riddled with injuries, and Ayton is one of the last vestiges of what was the team's projected starting lineup to begin the season. He's enjoyed a solid start to the season, averaging 16.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shots over five games.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: First double-double as Laker
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Ayton ended with 22 points (10-17 FG, 2-4 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 36 minutes during Sunday's 127-120 victory over Sacramento.
It was Ayton's first double-double in three games, and the 22 points were also his best showing in a Lakers jersey. The 27-year-old big man saw increased usage Sunday with both Luka Doncic (finger) and LeBron James (back) sidelined, and his 17 field-goal attempts equaled his total from the first two games of the season combined. Ayton will play a key role in the Los Angeles frontcourt in 2025-26 and has averaged a double-double in every one of his seven NBA campaigns so far, but Ayton's numbers could be even better than usual in the short term until the team's biggest stars get healthy.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Struggles in team debut
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Ayton posted 10 points (5-7 FG, 0-2 FT), six rebounds and one block over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 119-109 loss to the Warriors.
Despite playing 34 minutes, Ayton failed to offer anything of note, a worrying sign given his history. While all the signs pointed to him being primed and ready to go, this performance won't do him any favors. With that said, it is just one game, so there is still ample time for him to turn things around, starting when the Lakers play the Timberwolves on Friday.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Flirts with double-double in loss
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Ayton totaled 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot across 30 minutes during Friday's 117-116 loss to the Kings.
Ayton finished off the preseason in great form. Although Jaxson Hayes is a solid frontcourt player, the Lakers were hurting under the basket after Anthony Davis' departure. The gap was evident toward the end of the season, especially on defense. Finding another option in the off-season was a no-brainer, and the team hopes that Ayton will be the long-term answer for the role. Ayton's numbers should be much better than what he compiled during his tenure in Portland.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Starting Friday
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Ayton is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Ayton is back from a rest day, which will result in Jaxson Hayes returning to the second unit. Joining Ayton in the starting five for Friday's preseason finale will be Gabe Vincent, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Lined up for action vs. Kings
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Ayton (rest) will play in Friday's preseason finale against the Kings, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
The star big man didn't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, but he's lined up for action Friday. It's set to be Ayton's final exhibition reps prior to Opening Night, and the Lakers will be treating it as a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
Ayton (rest) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, NBA reporter Jovan Buha reports.
Ayton will rest Thursday, joining several other Lakers regulars on the sidelines for the team's penultimate preseason game. The big man is coming off a strong showing Tuesday, when he posted 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist across 26 minutes. The Arizona product will have one final opportunity to see preseason action Friday against the Kings.
Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Double-double in preseason loss
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Ayton supplied 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist over 26 minutes in Tuesday's 113-104 preseason loss to the Suns.
Ayton recorded his first double-double of the preseason Tuesday and made a strong defensive impact with five combined blocks and steals. The big man appears to be rounding into form ahead of the regular season after a quiet Lakers debut Oct. 3, when he managed just one point in 18 minutes.
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