Deandre Ayton Injury Update
Deandre Ayton didn’t play for the Lakers against the Miami Heat. He has back spasms. Ayton left Friday’s game against Memphis halfway through. He felt tightness during the first half and didn’t come back after halftime. Medical staff decided to rest him. They want to be careful with his injury.
He was first listed as probable for the Miami game. Later, they downgraded him to questionable. A few hours before tip-off, the Lakers ruled him out.
The problem started during warmups before the Memphis game. He tweaked his back on an alley-oop play. Ayton said he hoped to play soon. But the team chose caution.
This is Ayton’s first injury absence this season. Head coach JJ Redick said Ayton is still dealing with tightness and spasms in his back. They’re treating his recovery day-by-day.
Ayton has started well in his first Lakers season. He’s averaging about fifteen points and nearly eight rebounds. He had a double-double against the Kings last week. His presence has helped the Lakers stay tough in the paint. He’s become important for their defense and rebounding.
His absence leaves the Lakers short up front. Jaxson Hayes took the starting spot against Miami. Jarred Vanderbilt is expected to get more minutes. The Lakers might play with smaller lineups until Ayton comes back.
The Lakers play again soon against Portland. Ayton’s status for that game isn’t clear. They’re watching him closely and want him fully healthy before he returns.
Disclaimer
This article provides the latest available information about Deandre Ayton’s injury status at the time of writing. Player availability and medical updates are subject to change as new information emerges from official team sources. Always refer to the Los Angeles Lakers’ announcements or trusted NBA reports for the most current details.
