The LA Lakers may be without a key player for Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. It was already known that Luka Doncic would be out for this contest due to a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, the Lakers could also be without another key starter against the Mavs.
The Lakers’ starting center, Deandre Ayton, has been in and out of the lineup recently, missing two of the last four games. Whenever his name appears on the injury report, it raises concerns among Lakers faithful.
Ayton has been dealing with a knee injury. He sat out Saturday’s 105-99 win against the Golden State Warriors before playing 29 minutes in a 119-110 loss to the OKC Thunder. He also missed Tuesday’s 136-108 defeat against the Spurs.
Ayton is considered questionable for Thursday’s contest against the Mavericks due to the same issue. He is averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds in 46 games this season, shooting 67.5 percent from the field, the second-best mark in the league this year, just behind Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert.
The Lakers were without five starters in the previous game against the Spurs: Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart. While LeBron, Reaves and Smart could potentially return to the lineup, Ayton’s status will likely be determined closer to tipoff.
If Ayton is officially ruled out against the Mavericks, it would be a sting for a Lakers team that desperately needs a win to maintain a top-four seed in the competitive Western Conference. Jaxson Hayes is most likely to get the starting nod if Ayton sits out again, while Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme could see increased minutes.
Where to Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Lakers
Amazon Prime Video and SportsNet LA will telecast the Dallas Mavericks vs. Lakers game on Thursday. Meanwhile, NBA League Pass will provide a streaming option for viewers outside the country. The marquee matchup is slated to tip off at 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers are 2-0 against the Mavericks this season and 4-0 with Luka Doncic in purple and gold. LA sits sixth in the Western Conference with a 32-21 record, with multiple teams close behind them in the standings. The Lakers need a win to stay in the top-four conversation before heading into the All-Star break.
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