Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Out for Clippers Game with Knee Injury

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers will play without center Deandre Ayton on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers due to a right knee contusion. Ayton exited Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz at halftime after sustaining the injury.

This will mark the second game Ayton has missed this season. Details about the specific nature of his injury remain unclear. Following the game, teammate J.J. Redick mentioned that Ayton had taken a hit to his knee and was seen limping as he left the court for the halftime break.

In Ayton’s absence, the Lakers turned to Jaxson Hayes as a starter during the second half of the last game. However, it was Maxi Kleber who made a significant contribution, playing all 14 minutes in the second half. Though his statistics were modest, his impact on both offense and defense was notable.

“He was one of the guys who got us going, especially defensively with his effort and energy,” Luka Dončić said after Sunday’s game. “He does all the little things that don’t show up in statistics and we needed every one of them. I think he played amazing today.”

The Lakers are expected to rely on Kleber once again against the Clippers and their center Ivica Zubac, who is recognized as one of the top centers in the Western Conference. There is speculation that Jarred Vanderbilt may also see some minutes at center as the team adapts its strategy without Ayton.

The Lakers have depth in their roster, but head coach Redick faces a challenge to keep his team on the winning path without one of their key players.