Dave McMenaminNov 23, 2025, 10:17 PM ET
CloseLakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.
SALT LAKE CITY — Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton left Sunday night’s 108-106 win against the Utah Jazz midway through the second quarter with a right knee contusion.
The injury occurred when Utah rookie Ace Bailey collided with Ayton’s knee in the first quarter.
Ayton finished with two points on 1-for-2 shooting, two rebounds and a steal in 13 minutes.
The former No. 1 pick has been a bright spot this season, averaging 16.5 points on 69.9% shooting and 8.8 rebounds coming into Sunday.
Ayton, who signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract in the offseason after reaching a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, has helped L.A. get off to an 12-4 start while its three stars — LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — have all missed time because of injuries.
Lakers backup center Jaxson Hayes started the second half in Ayton’s place.