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8. März 2026
Not listed on injury report
Ayton (knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against New York.
Analyse
Ayton logged just four minutes in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play in Friday's win over the Pacers due to left knee soreness, though he's set to return Sunday. With the big man returning to the lineup, Jaxson Hayes should revert to a bench role, while Drew Timme is likely to see a significant dip in playing time and could fall out of the rotation entirely.
7. März 2026
Considered day-to-day
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Ayton -- who has already been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers -- is considered "day-to-day" due to left knee soreness, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analyse
Ayton saw the floor for just four minutes in Thursday's loss to Denver and picked up a left knee injury. The good news for the veteran big man is that he avoided a serious injury, so he could be available as soon as Sunday against the Knicks. Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt should see a significant bump in minutes due to Ayton's absence Friday, and Drew Timme -- who has been in the G League for the South Bay Lakers of late -- could also see some NBA action.
6. März 2026
Ruled out Friday
Ayton (knee) will not play Friday against the Pacers.
Analyse
Ayton left Thursday's game against Denver due to left knee soreness and was unable to return. The severity of the issue isn't known, but it's not a surprise to see the team exercise caution. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes could see a bump in minutes with this news.
6. März 2026
Dealing with knee soreness
Ayton left Thursday's game against Denver due to left knee soreness, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analyse
It appears that Ayton was able to avoid a serious injury. He'll presumably be re-evaluated Friday to determine his status for the second half of a back-to-back Friday against the Pacers.
6. März 2026
Picks up knee injury
Ayton won't return to Thursday's game against Denver due to a knee injury, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports. He'll end the night with two rebounds in five minutes.
Analyse
The severity of Ayton's injury is unclear at this time. Jaxson Hayes started the second half in Ayton's place and will presumably be leaned on heavily during the final two periods of play.
6. März 2026
Goes to locker room
Ayton went to the locker room during the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Nuggets for an undisclosed reason, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.
Analyse
It's not clear whether Ayton picked up an injury, but he wasn't sitting on the bench in the final few minutes of the first half. He can be considered questionable to return until more information surfaces.
4. März 2026
Rights ship Tuesday
Ayton finished Tuesday's 110-101 victory over New Orleans with 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and two blocks across 25 minutes.
Analyse
Ayton's recent struggles have become well-documented, but he put together a solid stat line Tuesday. The veteran big man has averaged 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 21.3 minutes per game over his past four outings, though he remains locked into a starting role at center for the Lakers.