Lakers’ Deandre Ayton Out Against Clippers Due to Knee Injury

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Lakers will be without center Deandre Ayton on Tuesday night 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. The details surrounding the injury remain unclear. Postgame discussions revealed Ayton had received a hit to the knee and was limping as he left the court at the end of the first half.

In Ayton’s absence, coach J.J. Redick turned to Jaxson Hayes in the starting lineup for the second half of the Jazz game. However, it was forward Maxi Kleber who made a noticeable impact. Though his stats may not be impressive, he played all 14 minutes in the second half and contributed significantly on both ends of the floor.

“He was one of the guys who got us going, especially defensively with his effort and energy,” said Luka Dončić after the 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 will rely on Kleber once again as they face the Clippers and their standout center Ivica Zubac. There are also discussions about the possibility of Jarred Vanderbilt playing some minutes at the small-ball center position.

Coach Redick faces a challenge to make the right decisions to keep the team’s winning momentum. The Lakers have the roster depth to adapt, but Tuesday’s game will test their flexibility.