The Los Angeles Lakers lost starting center Deandre Ayton midway through the second quarter of Sunday’s road game in Utah after he suffered a right knee contusion. The 27-year-old attempted to continue following an early collision with Jazz forward Ace Bailey but exited once the discomfort intensified.
“He took a shot to the leg in the first half and tried to play through it,” head coach JJ Redick told reporters. “He couldn’t go in the second half.”
Ayton, signed in July to a two-year, $16.6 million deal after a buyout with Portland, entered the night averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds while converting 69.6 percent of his field-goal attempts.
Hayes and Kleber Step In
With Ayton unavailable, Jaxson Hayes opened the third quarter at center, and forward Maxi Kleber logged 14 minutes. Kleber joined the closing lineup and delivered a dunk with 1:21 remaining that helped seal a two-point victory.
“Jaxson has started for us before, so sliding him in was easy,” LeBron James said postgame. “Maxi gave us physical minutes and a huge finish down the stretch.”
James Works Back from Sciatica
James finished with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists in 34 minutes, his second appearance since missing time with sciatica. “The only way to get into game shape is by playing,” he explained. “This week felt like my personal training camp, so I’m still building my wind.”
The four-time MVP also offered encouragement to longtime friend Chris Paul, who has announced he will retire after the season. “I hope he enjoys every bit of this final year,” James said. “We don’t get these moments back once they’re gone.”
Shooting Slump Continues
Los Angeles improved to 12-4 despite another rough night from beyond the arc, ranking 26th league-wide in three-point accuracy. The Lakers shot 10-for-38 (26.3 percent) in Utah. Guard Austin Reaves missed seven of eight attempts but emphasized the team’s commitment to other winning methods. “It’s chemistry and caring,” Reaves said. “There’s no selfishness; everyone wants to see each other succeed.”
The Lakers will monitor Ayton’s knee as they prepare for their next matchup.
Source: Hoops Rumors
