While the Los Angeles Lakers were coming off a blowout win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the team’s standout center Deandre Ayton suffered an injury.
With a little over seven minutes remaining, Ayton was defending in the paint before his knee caught during gameplay. The Lakers stopped the action with a timeout, allowing Ayton to return to the bench. He slowly limped back, showing signs of being in obvious pain.
According to reports, Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the setback, saying the veteran center was in “great spirits” in the locker room after the game. Given that the injury is so fresh, Redick didn’t have any further updates on Ayton.
By the time Ayton went out, the Lakers were in clear control of the matchup against the Pelicans. Ayton finished the game playing 27 minutes. He scored 22 points by shooting 7-9 from the field and 8-8 from the charity stripe. He had a double-double with 12 rebounds on the night. On defense, Ayton blocked four shots.
Ayton left his position with the Portland Trail Blazers down, but he is off to an impressive start so far with the Lakers. In 16 games prior to Sunday’s action, Ayton has averaged 15.6 points while shooting 70 percent from the field. He averaged 8.4 rebounds per game and blocked almost one shot per game.
Most recently, Ayton missed action due to a knee injury, which he suffered just a week ago. The Lakers center missed the November 25 game between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. When the Lakers faced the Dallas Mavericks three nights later, Ayton returned and played a nearly flawless game, as he scored 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Lakers will be back in action on Monday night to face the Phoenix Suns. Ayton will be a player to keep an eye on, as he could be in danger of missing his third game of the season.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, visit Newsweek Sports.
<a href=