The Los Angeles Lakers will face their crosstown rivals, the Clippers, in the third NBA Cup game of the season without starting center Deandre Ayton. Ayton, sidelined by a right knee contusion sustained in the Lakers’ 108-106 win over the Utah Jazz, leaves a significant void in the LA frontcourt.
NBA Cup Incentives Keep Spirits High
Backup center Jaxson Hayes approached the situation with humor and focus when asked about the stakes. “Free money. If we win, we get $500K. That’s all I know. That’s all that matters,” he said. On a more modest note, Hayes acknowledged the NBA Cup bonus structure for their West Group B contest. “We win tonight, we get $53K. Gotta start somewhere.”
Hayes and fellow backup Maxi Kleber are poised to see increased minutes in Ayton’s absence. Hayes played 18 minutes in Sunday’s game, scoring five points, while Kleber added 14 minutes and two points. Despite modest box-score numbers, Kleber’s teammates raved about his impact.
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“He was one of the best players on the floor for us,” guard Austin Reaves said. “Just energy, effort, the way he plays, the plays he made. You tip your hat to guys like that. You want to see them succeed.”
Forward LeBron James echoed the sentiment, praising both players’ contributions: “Obviously, Jaxson has been in a starting role for us before, so very easy for him to step in. But Maxi gave us big-time minutes. Brought physicality, had a big-time move towards the end to get that dunk.”
Stepping Up in Ayton’s Absence
Hayes, who started 35 games last season, has carved out a niche in the Lakers’ rotation this year, averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Kleber, signed from the Dallas Mavericks this season, has seen just 12.8 minutes per game but will likely see his court time nearly double in Tuesday’s matchup. Both players must provide stability and production in the paint to help the Lakers stay competitive against a Clippers team relying on half-court execution and physicality.
The Lakers also made a roster addition Tuesday, signing forward Drew Timme to a two-way contract after waiving Christian Koloko. Timme, who starred at Gonzaga and recently impressed in the G League with South Bay, brings scoring and rebounding depth. “I talked to [Lakers president of basketball operations] Rob [Pelinka] and everyone yesterday, last night, and they told me,” Timme said. “I was just super excited. It’s super cool.”
With Ayton out, Hayes, Kleber, and Timme must all rise to the occasion. A combination of humor, energy, and professional poise might be exactly what the Lakers need to secure a crucial West Group B victory against their city rivals.