Los Angeles Rules Out Deandre Ayton for Tuesday’s NBA Cup Game Against Clippers
lakers-rule-out-deandre-ayton-against-clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers have declared center Deandre Ayton unavailable for Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. The 27-year-old exited Sunday’s win over the Utah Jazz in the second quarter after sustaining a right knee contusion and did not return.
Ayton has missed only one contest this season. Since signing with the Lakers during the offseason, he has averaged 15.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and shot 69.6% from the field while anchoring the interior defense.
Frontcourt Rotation Adjustments
Head coach JJ Redick relied on Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber to cover the middle after Ayton’s departure on Sunday. Kleber drew widespread praise for his fourth-quarter performance; guard Austin Reaves labeled him “one of the Lakers’ best players” that night, and star forward Luka Dončić described it as a “10 out of 10” effort.
Without Ayton, Hayes and Kleber are expected to share minutes against Clippers center Ivica Zubac, one of the league’s more physical interior players. The Clippers have dropped four of their last five games and 10 of their past 12, but Zubac continues to provide consistent production in the paint.
Injury Report and Standings Implications
Aside from Ayton, the Lakers list no other injuries. LeBron James has returned from recent absences and is focused on regaining full conditioning, while guard Gabe Vincent is back from a sprained ankle.
Both the Lakers and Clippers are 2-0 in West Group B of the NBA Cup. Los Angeles holds the tiebreaker on point differential and would clinch the group—and a knockout-round berth—with a win on Tuesday. The franchise captured the inaugural NBA Cup last season.
Shooting Woes Persist
The Lakers remain among the NBA’s least accurate three-point teams. James said he is unconcerned about the slump, believing the percentages will “average out” over time.
Tip-off for Tuesday’s group-stage contest is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT.
Source: Lakers Nation
