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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) stands alone on the court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 79 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Friday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Indiana Pacers (at home) in California
The Lakers are coming off a 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets (in Colorado) on Thursday.
Deandre Ayton finished the game with two rebounds in only four minutes of playing time (he left with an injury).
Los Angeles Lakers Make Deandre Ayton Announcement
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) stands alone on the court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 79 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Before Friday’s game, the Lakers announced that Ayton has been ruled out.
The former Arizona star is averaging 12.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest while shooting 66.7% from the field in 54 games.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Deandre Ayton (knee) listed out Friday.”
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Ayton And The Lakers
GettyLos Angeles, CA – October 24: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Ayton is in his first with the Lakers after stints with the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers.
He was the first pick in the 2018 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.
Jovan Buha wrote after Thursday’s loss: “Tough loss in the clutch for LA as they fall to 37-25. They drop to 1.5 games behind DEN for No. 5. They’ve lost 12 of their past 13 games against teams with a .600 win % or better. Luka had 27/11/7. LeBron had 16/5/8.”
GettyLos Angeles, CA – December 28: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick stands on the court during a timeout during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers have had a solid season where they are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 37-25 record in 62 games.
They are 5-5 over their last ten games (and 19-13 on the road).
Following the Pacers, the Lakers will remain at home to host Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks on Sunday.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)