Deandre Ayton Injury Update
Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for the remainder of the game against the Denver Nuggets due to knee soreness, after playing just five minutes and recording two rebounds with no points. This marks a concerning development for the Los Angeles Lakers as they navigate the latter part of the season.
Ayton’s injury comes on the heels of a couple of missed games prior to the All-Star break, also due to right knee soreness. The Lakers acquired Ayton during the 2025 NBA offseason on a reported two-year deal, and he has been a full-time starter this season, averaging 27.7 minutes per game over 53 games leading up to March 5, 2026.
So far this season, Ayton has demonstrated impressive efficiency, boasting a shooting percentage of 66% from the field. He is averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ performance. As of March 5, the team holds a record of 37-24, positioning them competitively in the Western Conference.
However, Ayton’s recent performance and role have come under scrutiny. Udonis Haslem, a veteran player, commented on the importance of commitment, stating, “To Deandre Ayton, we are talking about buying in. That is a loser mentality.” He emphasized the need for Ayton to embrace his role to help the team win a championship.
As the Lakers prepare for their next matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Ayton’s status remains uncertain. If he is unable to play, the team will look towards a potential return against the New York Knicks on Sunday. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his recovery timeline and readiness for upcoming games.