Deandre Ayton Injury Update
DeAndre Ayton, the towering center for the Los Angeles Lakers, took a scary hit during Sunday night's matchup against the Utah Jazz on November 23, 2025, leaving the court with a right knee contusion that sidelined him for the rest of the game. Dave McMenamin (@mcten) reported on X that Deandre Ayton will not return to tonight’s game due to a knee contusion, according to the Lakers.
It all unfolded early in the first quarter when Jazz rookie Ace Bailey drove hard to the basket and collided awkwardly with Ayton's planted right leg, jamming his knee in a moment that had Lakers fans holding their breath.
Ayton, who had been dominating with his usual blend of rebounding and interior presence, grabbing a couple of boards before the incident, limped off, favoring the knee, and the team quickly ruled him questionable to return, eventually confirming he'd sit out the second half entirely.
Jaxson Hayes stepped in as the starter for the third quarter, helping the Lakers hold on for a gritty 123-115 victory despite the blow, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis picking up the slack on both ends. Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) shared on X that Deandre Ayton has a right knee contusion and is questionable to return, with Jaxson Hayes starting the second half.
Coach JJ Redick addressed the media post-game, noting that Ayton was getting evaluated but downplaying immediate long-term fears, calling it a "contusion" that bruised the knee without structural damage apparent right away though imaging and further tests would come Monday to clarify his status for the upcoming slate.
This comes after Ayton shook off some back spasms earlier in the season that made him a game-time decision for a few tilts, including against the Trail Blazers on November 4, where he powered through for 22 points and 10 rebounds in a win. Back in Phoenix before his trade to Portland and now L.A., Ayton has dealt with nagging issues like left-hand fractures in past years, but this knee tweak feels more like the bumps of a physical early-season grind.
As of November 24, no official timeline for return has dropped, but contusions typically mean day-to-day or week-to-week rest, ice, and rehab to avoid swelling complications. Lakers Nation is crossing fingers that it's nothing that derails their frontcourt depth as they push toward another deep playoff run.
Keep an eye on tomorrow's injury report for the next game against the Spurs on November 25; if Ayton's out, expect Hayes or even Christian Wood to see expanded minutes. In the meantime, Ayton's season stats sit at a solid 18.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game over 12 appearances, underscoring why his health is non-negotiable for this squad's title aspirations. The NBA's grind never lets up, and moments like this remind everyone how fragile even the biggest bodies can be on the court.
Disclaimer:
This information is for general news and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Injury details and timelines can change quickly, so readers should check official NBA, team, or league updates for the latest status. Always rely on licensed medical professionals for diagnosis, treatment, or health decisions.
