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Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing mounting injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s road matchup against the Indiana Pacers, with starting center Deandre Ayton downgraded to questionable due to back soreness.
Ayton joins Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart on the injury report, further thinning Los Angeles’ rotation as it looks to close out its road trip.
Ayton’s Status Adds to Lakers’ Injury Concerns
Deandre Ayton Lakers
GettyDeandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers is in danger of missing their road game against the Indiana Pacers with back soreness.
Ayton is coming off a productive performance in Monday’s 113-110 loss to the Detroit Pistons, posting 13 points, 10 rebounds and one steal in 27 minutes. He led the Lakers in rebounding and finished as the team’s third-leading scorer behind Luka Doncic (32 points) and Austin Reaves (24 points).
The outing marked Ayton’s 21st double-double of the season and his fourth in 17 games since the All-Star break. Over that span, he has averaged 10.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.7 blocks in 25.8 minutes, providing consistent interior production.
Ayton has also shown flashes of impact beyond the box score, including a strong two-way showing in a recent rematch against the Houston Rockets, where he contributed efficient scoring and multiple blocked shots.
Ayton Embraces New Role After Honest Self-Assessment
As his role evolves under head coach JJ Redick, Ayton has leaned into a more defense- and effort-focused identity.
“That’s a fact. That is a true fact,” Ayton recently told The Athletic of his reduced scoring role. “But me, I scratched that, I took that out. I said … when it comes to scoring, we don’t need that.”
He described a moment of self-reflection that reshaped his approach.
“I just started looking in the mirror and said, ‘Yo bro … you’re not that guy. You don’t need to be on this team doing that at all. This team, you came here to be the effort guy and close out possessions, rebound. Run the damn floor hard as hell, make bigs work, make superstars work,’” Ayton said. “And I’m having fun with it, I’m not gonna lie.”
That shift has helped him find consistency within a system built around star playmakers.
‘I’m Not Clint Capela’ Comment Led to Self-Reflection
Ayton’s mindset follows earlier frustration that surfaced publicly when he pushed back against comparisons to rim-running centers.
“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” Ayton said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’m not no Clint Capela.”
While the comment drew attention, Ayton’s recent production suggests he has adjusted to the responsibilities the Lakers need from him.
Hachimura, Smart Injuries Impact Lakers’ Rotation
The Lakers’ injury situation extends beyond Ayton.
Hachimura was initially upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game after missing Monday’s loss with right calf soreness. Head coach JJ Redick previously indicated the injury is not considered serious after imaging came back clean.
“Rui got hit at some point in the Miami game, his calf, and it tightened up on him in Orlando,” Redick said. “Imaging was clean, so he’s just kind of day to day.”
Meanwhile, Smart remains sidelined with a right ankle contusion and hip tightness after taking contact earlier in the week.
“And then Smart, when Goga fell on his leg, he got like a bruised ankle,” Redick said. “He’s probably in the same boat, day to day.”
Their absences were felt in Detroit, where the Lakers fell behind early and saw their nine-game winning streak snapped.
Lakers Look to Regain Momentum vs Pacers
Despite the injuries, Los Angeles remains in a strong position in the Western Conference standings, holding a cushion over key competitors.
The Lakers will look to bounce back against a Pacers team coming off a 128-126 win over the Orlando Magic behind a 37-point performance from Pascal Siakam.
For Los Angeles, Ayton’s availability could be pivotal. His presence on the glass and interior defense would help stabilize a lineup already missing key contributors.
If Ayton is unable to play, the Lakers will rely heavily on Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber, whose combined averages are only 8.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
With the postseason approaching, managing health while maintaining performance remains a delicate balance.
For now, the Lakers face a familiar late-season challenge — navigating injuries while trying to sustain momentum in a competitive playoff race.