Deandre Ayton Injured During Game Against Denver Nuggets
Deandre Ayton was ruled out for the rest of the game against the Denver Nuggets due to knee soreness, having played just five minutes and recording two rebounds with no points. This injury adds to the concerns surrounding Ayton, who has missed a couple of games recently due to right knee soreness.
Ayton, who was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers on a reported two-year deal during the 2025 NBA offseason, has been a significant player for the team. In the 53 games leading up to March 5, he averaged 27.7 minutes on the court as a full-time starter, showcasing his importance in the lineup.
This season, Ayton has demonstrated impressive performance, averaging 66% shooting from the field, along with 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. However, his recent struggles have raised eyebrows, especially as he is not averaging a double-double for the first time in his career.
The Lakers, holding a 37-24 record before the game against the Nuggets, currently rank sixth in the Western Conference. They are scheduled to face the Indiana Pacers on March 6, 2026, but Ayton’s status for that game remains uncertain.
Udonis Haslem, a veteran player, has publicly criticized Ayton’s mentality regarding his role on the team, stating, “To Deandre Ayton, we are talking about buying in. That is a loser mentality.” He further emphasized the importance of playing one’s role for the team’s success, saying, “If this is what your team needs from you to put them in a position to win a championship, then you have to buy in and play your role.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding which knee is bothering Ayton, and further announcements about his injury were not provided during the game. The Lakers will be closely monitoring his condition as they prepare for their next matchup.
