The Los Angeles Lakers are back in action tonight, taking on the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. But they’ll be doing it without one of their most important frontcourt pieces. Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for the 9 PM ET tip-off due to an elbow injury, according to the team’s latest injury report.
What Ayton’s Absence Means for the Lakers
This is just the third game Ayton will miss all season, and his absence is a significant one. The Lakers currently sit tied for third in the Western Conference alongside the San Antonio Spurs, and every game matters in a tightly packed standings race.
Ayton, 27, is having the most efficient season of his career. He’s shooting over 70% from the field - a personal best - and recently set a franchise record for games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 90% or better. That kind of production isn’t just rare - it’s elite efficiency that gives the Lakers a reliable interior scoring option and a presence on the boards.
Beyond the numbers, Ayton has brought a noticeable spark to the Lakers since arriving. He’s made headlines for all the right reasons, including being named the recipient of the Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for November.
Off the court, he’s helped foster a strong locker room culture - even his mom got in on the action, going viral after cooking Jamaican food for the team. That kind of camaraderie matters over the grind of an 82-game season.
Statistically, Ayton is averaging 15.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block per game across 23 appearances, while playing 29.4 minutes a night - the lowest workload of his career, but still highly impactful. His size and rim protection will be sorely missed, especially against a Utah team that brings plenty of size and physicality in the paint.
Sizing Up the Matchup: Utah’s Frontcourt
Utah’s big man rotation is one of the more underrated units in the league, and they could pose a real challenge for a shorthanded Lakers front line. Lauri Markkanen, who’s listed as questionable for tonight’s game, has been on a tear lately - scoring 26 or more in four of his last five outings. If he’s good to go, that’s a matchup nightmare for a Lakers team already missing its anchor in the middle.
If Markkanen can’t suit up, expect to see more of Taylor Hendricks. The 2023 top-10 pick has been carving out a bigger role, averaging 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds this season. He brings length, athleticism, and a developing offensive game that could test the Lakers’ depth.
Jusuf Nurkic, the veteran center, is also a key piece for the Jazz. He’s putting up 9.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game and thrives in physical matchups.
Add in second-year big Kyle Filipowski (10 points, 6.4 rebounds), and the Jazz have plenty of size to throw at the Lakers. Utah also brings veterans Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson off the bench, both of whom can stretch the floor and provide savvy minutes.
How the Lakers Might Adjust
With Ayton sidelined, the Lakers will need to get creative with their frontcourt rotation. Maxi Kleber, listed as probable, could be a key piece tonight. He hasn’t played since Dec. 5 against Boston, but if he’s ready to go, his ability to space the floor (35% career from three) could help offset the offensive void Ayton leaves behind.
Kleber isn’t going to bring the same rebounding or rim protection, but his versatility and perimeter shooting could open up the offense in different ways. He’s only appeared in 10 games this season, so conditioning and chemistry will be something to watch.
Jaxson Hayes is another name to keep an eye on. The athletic center is averaging 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 22 games this year, and he could see a bump in minutes with Ayton out. His energy and verticality give the Lakers a different look - more of a lob threat and rim-runner - but less of a polished post presence.
Backcourt Depth Also Tested
The Lakers will also be without guard Austin Reaves, who’s dealing with a left calf strain. He last played on Dec. 10 against the Spurs and is due for re-evaluation soon. His absence takes away a key playmaker and secondary scorer in the backcourt.
Gabe Vincent, who was listed as questionable with lower back soreness, has now been ruled out. That’s another hit to the Lakers’ guard depth, and it puts more pressure on the likes of D’Angelo Russell and other rotation guards to carry the load.
The Bottom Line
The Lakers are walking into a tough environment tonight - thin in the frontcourt and missing key contributors in the backcourt. Ayton’s absence is especially significant given the size and strength of Utah’s rotation. This is a game where role players will need to step up, and the Lakers will have to rely on their depth, spacing, and defensive discipline to keep pace.
It’s a gut-check kind of night for the Purple and Gold. Let’s see how they respond.