31Breakdown
Performance
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November 28, 2025
Will play vs. Dallas
Ayton (knee) will play in Friday's game against the Mavericks, NBA reporter Marc Stein reports.
Analysis
Ayton is returning from a one-game absence due to a knee issue. The star big man should have no limits on his playing time Friday. Ayton has averaged 16.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 0.9 steals in 27.8 minutes per game across his last nine appearances.
November 28, 2025
Probable to play Friday
Ayton (knee) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Mavericks, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ayton has missed the Lakers' last two games due to a right knee contusion. It appears the eighth-year center is on track to play Friday, and Ayton's return would likely send Jaxson Hayes back to the bench. Across nine games in November, Ayton has averaged 16.0 points on 74.7 percent shooting, 8.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.9 steals over 27.8 minutes per game.
November 25, 2025
Won't play Tuesday
Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Clippers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ayton was forced out of Sunday's game due to a right knee contusion, and now he will miss Tuesday's contest. Additionally, it's not a great sign that he's getting ruled out 24 hours in advance of tipoff, but the good news is that after Tuesday's game, the Lakers are off until Friday, meaning Ayton will have four full days to rest up. Jaxson Hayes will likely get the start in his absence, and Maxi Kleber should be able to get into the rotation.
November 24, 2025
Won't return Sunday
Ayton (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against the Jazz, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
Ayton sustained a right knee contusion in the first half and won't return in the second. He'll finish with two points (1-2 FG), three rebounds and one steal in 13 minutes. Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber are candidates for increased minutes the rest of the way. Ayton's next chance to play will come Tuesday against the Clippers.
November 24, 2025
Questionable to return Sunday
Ayton is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jazz due to a right knee contusion, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Ayton presumably sustained the knee injury in the first half, during which he posted two points (1-2 FG), three rebounds and one steal in 13 minutes. Jaxson Hayes started the second half in place of Ayton, though Maxi Kleber could also see increased run the rest of the way if Ayton is unable to return.
November 23, 2025
Not listed on injury report
Ayton (illness) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game in Utah, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
Ayton did not participate in Saturday's practice due to an illness, but that won't stop him from taking the floor for Sunday's game in Utah. The big man is averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game on the season.
November 22, 2025
Battling through illness
Ayton did not participate in Saturday's practice due to an illness, but he will travel with the Lakers ahead of Sunday's game against the Jazz, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Analysis
Ayton can be considered questionable for Sunday's contest, and his status will become more clear when he goes through morning shootaround and pregame warmups. Ayton's absence would likely lead to Jaxson Hayes entering the Lakers' starting five, and Maxi Kleber would be in line for more minutes off the bench. Over his last eight games, Ayton has averaged 17.8 points on 75.3 percent shooting, 9.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals over 29.6 minutes per game, and he has registered a double-double in three consecutive outings.