Lakers Center Deandre Ayton Cleared by MRI, Listed Day-to-Day with Knee Contusion
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Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton avoided serious injury after an MRI on his right knee showed only swelling and a bruise, head coach JJ Redick said Tuesday.
Ayton left the first quarter of the Lakers’ recent game against the Utah Jazz when rookie guard Ace Bailey collided with his knee. The 27-year-old was ruled out of Monday’s matchup with the L.A. Clippers, but Redick described the setback as a “game-to-game” situation and expressed hope Ayton could return by the end of the week.
“He got hit on his knee. MRI was clean other than just some swelling and a little bit of a bruise,” Redick told reporters. “Don’t think it’s gonna be a long-term thing, and hopefully he’s back at some point by the end of the week.”
Ayton, the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, signed with Los Angeles over the summer after a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and has started every game at center to open the 2025-26 season.
With Ayton sidelined, Redick turned to Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber for frontcourt minutes against the Clippers. Two-way signee Drew Timme and forward Jarred Vanderbilt are also candidates for additional playing time until Ayton is cleared to return.
Redick has repeatedly challenged Ayton to “play like a lion,” and the veteran big man had responded with strong two-way performances before the injury.
Source: Lakers Nation
