Deandre Ayton’s strong start to the season took an unexpected hit during the Los Angeles Lakers’ tight matchup against the Utah Jazz. The veteran center, who has been averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and nearly one assist through 14 games, left the game early after suffering a right-knee contusion.
The injury occurred in the first half, and although he attempted to stay loose on the bench, the Lakers’ medical staff eventually ruled him out for the rest of the night. The Lakers entered the night relying on the chemistry they’ve been building all season.
Ayton has been central to that, giving them a dependable presence in the paint, efficient scoring, and more physicality around the rim. Losing him mid-game forced Los Angeles to shift its approach and reshuffle responsibilities.
Still, the team found a way to grind out a 108-106 victory on the road, thanks largely to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves stepping up and carrying the offense. Ayton’s injury now places early pressure on the Lakers, who have relied on him for size and stability throughout the opening part of the season.
Ayton has officially been ruled out tonight (knee contusion).
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 24, 2025
The team’s medical staff will evaluate the severity of the knee contusion in the coming days. While the hope is that the injury is minor, big men dealing with knee issues often need careful management.
Any extended absence for Ayton would significantly affect the Lakers’ rotations, spacing, and defensive structure. Before last week’s game, the Lakers made it clear how important Ayton is to their identity. Head coach JJ Redick arrived at the arena wearing a custom shirt featuring half of Ayton’s face and half of a lion’s face.
https://t.co/O0uAbMqbkB pic.twitter.com/GBjIAJ0GBg
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) November 15, 2025
The win against the Jazz was encouraging, but it also underscored how difficult things can get without Ayton on the floor.
Austin Reaves on What Deandre Ayton Adds to the Lakers
Austin Reaves recently emphasized how much Ayton means to the Lakers’ long-term success. He explained that the team’s ceiling is tied to how consistently Ayton can impact the game. When Ayton brings energy, aggression, and presence on both ends of the floor, the Lakers function at a much higher level.
Reaves acknowledged that the team has enough talent to survive rough stretches, but their true potential depends on Ayton performing at the level he’s capable of.
“We need the best version of him for us to be as good as we can be,” Reaves told Dan Woike of THE ATHLETIC. “If he’s that, then we can be a really good team. If he’s not, I still think with talent, we can win some games. But for us to be what we want to be, we need him to be the best version of himself every game.”
Redick echoed that belief before the Jazz game. The coach believes that Ayton has everything he needs to be a dominant center, and the team wants him to embrace that identity fully. From a custom shirt to high praise, Redick has been open about his admiration of the veteran.
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