The Los Angeles Lakers will be without starting center Deandre Ayton when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday in Emirates NBA Cup group play. Ayton suffered a knee contusion during the first half of the Lakers’ win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday, and as a result, he was unable to play after halftime.
This is somewhat concerning, especially since Clippers starting center Ivica Zubac has been playing well of late. But Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that an MRI done on Ayton’s bad knee came back “clean” and that the hope is that the big man will be able to return by the end of this week.
Ayton had registered at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in each of his previous three games coming into Sunday’s contest. While his rim protection and overall defense could use some improvement, he has been playing very well offensively while also giving Los Angeles a big boost on the boards.
The team has been utilizing him on pick-and-roll sequences, lob passes and even in transition, and it has resulted in him averaging 15.5 points a game and shooting an outstanding 69.6% from the field so far this season.
After Tuesday, the Lakers’ next game will be on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: JJ Redick gives optimistic update on Deandre Ayton’s knee injury
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
