Overview
- Deandre Ayton exited Sunday’s win over the Jazz with a right knee contusion after a collision with rookie Ace Bailey.
- JJ Redick said imaging showed no structural damage, describing the issue as swelling and a bruise with a game-to-game outlook.
- Ayton was ruled out for Tuesday’s NBA Cup game against the Clippers, which the Lakers won 135-118 with Jaxson Hayes starting at center.
- Maxi Kleber logged rotation minutes in Ayton’s absence and the team added Drew Timme on a two-way deal to bolster frontcourt depth.
- Ayton has averaged 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds on roughly 70% shooting this season after signing a two-year deal in the offseason.