The Los Angeles Lakers entered Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz looking for their fourth consecutive win.
Los Angeles has operated as one of the league’s best teams early in the 2025‑26 season, and a huge reason has been the impact of their offseason additions, including center Deandre Ayton, who signed a two‑year, $16 million deal with the Lakers in the offseason.
The 27‑year‑old is off to a strong start through his first 14 games in purple and gold, averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks while shooting an efficient 69.9% from the field and 56.5% from the free‑throw line. Ayton has been effective because of his ability to finish plays around the rim, provide reliable rebounding and give the Lakers a consistent interior presence that complements their perimeter stars.
During Sunday’s game against the Utah Jazz, Ayton got off to a quiet start, recording two points and three rebounds in his first 13 minutes while attempting just two shots. As the Lakers took the court for the second half, backup big man Jaxson Hayes started at center in Ayton’s place, immediately raising concern.
Shortly after, the team announced that Ayton had suffered a right knee contusion and was questionable to return (h/t ESPN’s Dave McMenamin). By the end of the third quarter, Los Angeles confirmed that the injury would keep him out for the remainder of the game.
If Ayton’s knee contusion proves severe enough to keep him out, the Lakers’ frontcourt would suddenly look thin. Hayes would be forced into a much larger role, while the team would likely have to lean on smaller lineups and increased minutes from forwards to cover the gap inside. That is a difficult adjustment given how important Ayton has been to their early success. This season marks his eighth in the NBA, and he has found new life in Los Angeles after his career took a downturn following his departure from the Phoenix Suns.
A former first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Suns, Ayton was once viewed as a franchise focal point. After leaving Phoenix, his production dipped, and following two disappointing seasons with the Trail Blazers, he was bought out. The Lakers gave him a fresh opportunity, and his resurgence has been a key storyline, making his health pivotal to their hopes of sustaining success.
