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Lakers' Deandre Ayton (knee) leaves game against Nuggets

![NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28409834.jpg)Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lakers center Deandre Ayton exited Los Angeles' Thursday road game against the Denver Nuggets due to a knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the night.

Ayton left with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter after committing a foul on Julian Strawther. He missed his only shot attempt and grabbed two rebounds in just 4:30.

The 27-year-old Bahamas native, in his first season with the Lakers, began the night averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in 53 games (all starts).

\--Field Level Media

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