The Los Angeles Lakers are listing center Deandre Ayton as out for Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Ayton left Sunday’s victory over the Utah Jazz in the second quarter with a right knee contusion and did not return.
Ayton has missed just one game so far this season and has provided everything the Lakers could have hoped for when they signed him this offseason. The big man is averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 69.6% from the field and providing a physical presence defensively.
In his absence on Sunday, head coach JJ Redick turned to Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber, both of whom provided some strong minutes. In particular, Kleber garnered a ton of praise from his teammates for his strong performance in the fourth quarter with Austin Reaves saying he was one of the Lakers’ best players on the night while Luka Doncic called it a “10 out of 10” performance from the veteran.
While the Clippers have been struggling mightily this season having lost four of their last five and 10 of their last 12 games, they do still have one of the best and most physical centers in the league in former Laker Ivica Zubac. Not having Ayton to battle down low with him will put a lot of pressure on Hayes and Kleber, though both have stepped up when called upon.
Aside from Ayton, the rest of the Lakers’ injury report is clear as the team is finally healthy for the most part. LeBron James is back and working to build up his stamina while Gabe Vincent has returned from his sprained ankle.
The Lakers and Clippers are currently tied atop West Group B in the NBA Cup standings at 2-0, though the Lakers do hold the tiebreaker due to point differential. Should the Lakers win this game they will clinch Group B and be guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage as they would then hold head-to-head victories over both the Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies.
After winning the inaugural NBA Cup, the Lakers will be looking at reclaiming their title and could take a big step in that direction with a win on Tuesday night.
LeBron James not worried about Lakers’ 3-point shooting struggles
Something that would certainly help the Lakers pick up a victory whether Deandre Ayton plays or not is an improvement in their 3-point shooting. The Lakers are one of the worst shooting teams from deep in the league, but LeBron James isn’t concerned with that right now, feeling things will ultimately average out.
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