By Justin GrassoShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Los Angeles Lakers are down a key starter in Deandre Ayton.
Heading into their November 23 matchup against the Utah Jazz, Ayton was on the injury report due to an illness. He was deemed ready to play and cleared for action. However, his presence in the Lakers’ latest outing didn’t last very long.
Just 13 minutes into the game, Ayton went back to the locker room as he dealt with discomfort in his knee. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game. When he finished his night, Ayton had just two points and three rebounds. The Lakers would lean on Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber in his absence.
The Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz with an 108-106 victory to pick up their fourth-straight win.
...Lakers head coach JJ Redick didn’t have much of an update following the outing. Ahead of Tuesday’s NBA Cup action between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, Redick addressed the state of Ayton’s injury and recovery, giving Lakers fans a positive outlook.
via @mcten: JJ Redick said the MRI on Deandre Ayton’s knee was “clean” but revealed some swelling. Redick said the Lakers have hope that Ayton can return by the end of the week.
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The Lakers ruled out Ayton for Tuesday’s action. They will take the court again on Friday for their fourth and final NBA Cup group game, which takes place at home against the Dallas Mavericks.
If Ayton doesn’t return by then, he’ll look ahead to Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at home. The Lakers will be taking it day by day, seeing how Ayton’s knee responds with some extended time off.
So far this season, Ayton has been a positive addition to the purple and gold. In 15 games, the veteran center has averaged 15.5 points, while making nearly 70 percent of his shots from the field. Ayton is averaging 8.4 rebounds and nearly one block per game.
The Lakers are set for an 11 PM ET tip against the Clippers on Tuesday. A win for the Lakers would allow them to clinch West Group B, and move on.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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