Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Deandre Ayton Exits With Knee Contusion as Lakers Edge Jazz 108–106

Posted : 24 November 2025

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton exited midway through the second quarter of Sunday night’s 108–106 win over the Utah Jazz after suffering a right knee contusion. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Utah rookie Ace Bailey collided with Ayton’s knee.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said, “He had gotten hit on his leg in the first half and was kind of limping through it, and then couldn’t go in the second half.” Ayton finished the game with 2 points on 1-for-2 shooting, 2 rebounds, and a steal in 13 minutes.

The former No. 1 overall pick has been a standout for the Lakers this season, averaging 16.5 points on 69.9% shooting and 8.8 rebounds per game. Ayton, who signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal after a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, has contributed significantly to L.A.’s 12–4 start despite LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves missing time due to injuries.

With Ayton sidelined, backup center Jaxson Hayes started the second half, while Maxi Kleber, a seldom-used reserve, filled in at center in the fourth quarter. Kleber delivered a key dunk with 1:21 remaining, giving the Lakers a six-point cushion as they held off Utah’s late surge.

Doncic led the team with 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, though he committed 6 turnovers. Reaves added 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, and James, in his second game back after a 14-game absence with sciatica, posted 17 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, finishing 8-for-18 from the field after a slow start.

James praised his teammates’ adaptability, saying, “Jaxson has been in a starting role for us before, so very easy for him to step in, and Maxi gave us big-time minutes. Brought physicality, had a big-time move towards the end to get that dunk.”

The Lakers will return home to host the Clippers on Tuesday and the Mavericks on Friday in their final two NBA Cup group play games. Redick expressed confidence in the team’s depth, stating, “Everybody’s got to be ready again. I don’t want to speculate on DA, but we feel confident that we have enough options.”

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :