LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton, Lakers
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LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers react after a basket.
The Los Angeles Lakers will receive a timely reinforcement in the middle Monday night, with center Deandre Ayton cleared to return against the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing one game because of a knee issue.
Ayton was upgraded to available on the NBA’s official injury report after being a late scratch Saturday night, when the Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 105–99 without both Ayton and Luka Dončić.
Why Ayton Was a Late Scratch
Lakers coach JJ Redick explained after Saturday’s win that Ayton’s absence was precautionary rather than structural.
“He went out for his shooting stretch and just didn’t feel completely comfortable with it,” Redick said. “I don’t think there’s any reason to believe it’s anything but day-to-day.”
With Ayton sidelined, Jaxson Hayes (6 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes) and Maxi Kleber (5 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes) absorbed the bulk of the center minutes and helped stabilize the interior against a Warriors team missing Stephen Curry.
Ayton’s clearance now restores a key piece to the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation as they navigate a condensed schedule ahead of the All-Star break.
Ayton’s Role and Production With Lakers
Deandre Ayton
GettyDeandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers was a late scratch against the Golden State Warriors.
Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick, is averaging 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.0 block across 45 games this season. He signed a two-year, $16.2 million contract with the Lakers last summer following a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, with a player option for the second year.
His return comes at an important moment for a Lakers team still searching for consistency in the middle, particularly on the defensive glass and as a lob threat in the pick-and-roll.
Luka Dončić Still Sidelined as Lakers Proceed Carefully
While Ayton is back, the Lakers will again be without Dončić, who is dealing with a left hamstring strain and has been ruled out for a second straight game.
Redick described Dončić as day-to-day, but acknowledged that the team is being more cautious with the star guard.
“I’ve been around him as a teammate and as a coach, and I know he plays,” saidRedick. “If he’s able to play, he plays. I think he wants to be in the All-Star Game. I know he wants to play against Dallas the game before the All-Star break. He has his team working on him day and night. So it’s day-to-day, and when he’s ready to play, we’ll get him out there.”
Dončić’s status places his sixth All-Star appearance in jeopardy as the Lakers weigh immediate needs against long-term health.
Pre–All-Star Schedule Adds Pressure
After hosting Oklahoma City, the Lakers will face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in the second night of a back-to-back, then close the pre-break slate Thursday against Dončić’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
That Dallas matchup has drawn added attention, but Redick reiterated that sentiment and scheduling will not override medical caution.
Lakers Managing Dončić’s Workload
Before the injury, Dončić was leading the NBA in scoring at 32.8 points per game, while averaging 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds. However, durability has become an increasing theme.
He has already missed eight games this season because of leg-related injuries. With Saturday’s win over Golden State, the Lakers improved to 5–4 in games Dončić has missed — a respectable mark that nonetheless underscores how thin the margin becomes without their offensive centerpiece.