The Los Angeles Lakers escaped Salt Lake City with a narrow 108–106 win Sunday night, but they didn’t leave unscathed. Center Deandre Ayton was forced out of the game in the second quarter after sustaining a right knee contusion, an injury that first emerged in the opening minutes and gradually worsened.
Ayton collided with Jazz rookie Ace Bailey early in the first quarter, stayed on the floor briefly, and attempted to play through the discomfort. But by midway through the second frame, the pain had escalated.
“He had gotten hit on his leg in the first half and was kind of limping through it,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said. “And then couldn’t go in the second half.”
Before exiting, Ayton logged 13 minutes, totaling two points, three rebounds, and a steal. It was an uncharacteristically quiet night for the 27-year-old, who has otherwise been a stabilizing presence during his first season in Los Angeles.
Entering the matchup, he was averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds on an efficient 69.6% shooting clip—production that has validated the team-friendly two-year, $16.6 million deal he signed after his Portland buyout.
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Redick Avoids Speculation but Expresses Confidence
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Redick declined to estimate the severity of the injury, instead emphasizing the team’s depth at the position. He noted that the Lakers “have enough options,” a point underscored by the response from Ayton’s replacements.
Jaxson Hayes opened the second half and provided a steady presence, finishing with five points and four rebounds across 18 minutes. Maxi Kleber, meanwhile, supplied important physicality off the bench and played down the stretch.
“Obviously, Jaxson has been in a starting role for us before, so very easy for him to step in and into that role,” LeBron James said. “But Maxi gave us big-time minutes. Brought physicality, had a big-time move towards the end to get that dunk.”
That dunk, with 1:21 remaining, helped preserve the Lakers’ two-point margin.
Stars Carry the Load as L.A. Closes Out Win
With Ayton sidelined, the Lakers leaned on their playmakers. Luka Dončić powered the offense with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Austin Reaves added 22 points and 10 rebounds. James chipped in 17 points, eight assists, and six boards.
Now 12–4, the Lakers will look to keep momentum as they prepare for Tuesday’s NBA Cup group-stage matchup against the Los Angeles Chippers. Their next update on Ayton will be one of the most anticipated developments heading into the week.