26Breakdown
Performance
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February 13, 2026
Considered day-to-day
Ayton (knee), who has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Dallas, is being considered day-to-day, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
All signs point to Ayton being cleared for a return after the All-Star break. The big man was sent for imaging to rule out a significant injury, and the results came back clean, per Dan Woike of The Athletic. Ayton will have just over another week to recover and rehab before the Lakers face off against the Clippers on Feb. 20.
February 12, 2026
Won't play Thursday
Ayton won't play in Thursday's game against Dallas due to right knee soreness, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
Given the nature of the issue, it's fair to anticipate Ayton being able to return right away once the Lakers return from the All-Star break. Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber are primed to split the center minutes Thursday, with the former being the more appealing fantasy option of the two.
February 12, 2026
Questionable for Thursday
Ayton (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Dallas.
Analysis
Ayton sat out Tuesday's loss to the Spurs and could miss a second consecutive contest ahead of the All-Star break due to right knee soreness. If the big man is unable to play Thursday, Jaxson Hayes would likely get the starting nod, while Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme would be candidates for increased playing time off the bench.
February 11, 2026
Ruled out Tuesday
Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Spurs, Khobi Price of the California Post reports.
Analysis
Ayton will miss his second outing in a three-game span due to right knee soreness, and his final opportunity to suit up before the All-Star break will come Thursday against Dallas. With the big man sidelined, Jaxson Hayes will likely get the starting nod, while Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme are candidates for increased playing time.
February 10, 2026
Iffy for Tuesday
Ayton is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against San Antonio due to right knee soreness, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis
Ayton started and played 29 minutes in the opening leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set Monday. He's at risk of missing the closing end of the two-game set due to a lingering knee injury. If he doesn't play Tuesday, Jaxson Hayes, Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme would see an increase in playing time.
February 9, 2026
Good to go Monday
Ayton (knee) is good to go Monday against the Thunder.
Analysis
Ayton is set to return to action after being a late scratch Saturday against the Thunder. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) sidelined, Ayton could see a short-term boost in usage.
February 9, 2026
Likely to play Monday
Ayton (knee) is listed as probable for Monday's game against the Thunder, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com report.
Analysis
Ayton was a late scratch for Saturday's game against the Warriors due to right knee soreness. It appears the veteran center will play Monday, though he could be held out for the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set Tuesday against the Spurs. Ayton's return would lead to Jaxson Hayes reverting to a bench role.
February 8, 2026
Day-to-day moving forward
Ayton (knee) will be day-to-day moving forward, head coach JJ Redick told Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com following Saturday's win over the Warriors.
Analysis
Ayton was ruled out of Saturday's contest due to right knee soreness, and it's unclear whether the big man will miss more time. For now, he should be considered questionable for Monday's game against the Thunder. If he's unable to play, Jaxson Hayes should remain in the starting unit.
February 8, 2026
Late addition to injury report
Ayton has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors due to right knee soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Analysis
Ayton was an extremely late addition to the injury report due to the knee issue, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Thunder. With the big man sidelined, Jaxson Hayes will get the starting nod, while Drew Timme and Maxi Kleber are candidates for increased burn off the bench.
