Lakers Get Positive Injury News on Deandre Ayton as Maxi Kleber Emerges

The Los Angeles Lakers received a much-needed bit of good news this week: Deandre Ayton’s knee injury appears to be minor. The center was ruled out of Tuesday’s matchup against the Clippers after suffering a knee contusion in Sunday’s win over the Utah Jazz, an injury significant enough to keep him out for the entire second half of that game.

💡 A Short-Term Knee Issue — Not a Major Setback

Before tipoff against the Clippers, head coach JJ Redick offered an encouraging update. According to the team’s internal evaluation, Ayton’s injury is not considered serious and should respond well to a few days of rest and treatment in Los Angeles.

The timing of the schedule helps. After the Clippers game, the Lakers don’t play again until Friday, when they host the Mavericks to close out group play in the NBA Cup. That built-in gap gives Ayton valuable extra time to recover without needing to travel or push the knee too early.

If Ayton ends up missing only the second half versus Utah and the single game against the Clippers, the scenario is close to a best-case outcome — no structural damage and no expectation of a long absence.

🔄 Chemistry Paused — but Kleber Takes Advantage

The only drawback is the timing. Ayton’s injury came right after LeBron James made his season debut, which meant the Lakers were just beginning to build real minutes with their full group: Doncic, LeBron, Reaves, Hachimura, and Ayton. Every game missed delays natural rhythm-building on both ends of the floor.

But Ayton’s absence also opened an unexpected lane for Maxi Kleber.

Kleber was excellent in the second half against Utah — providing rim protection, defensive mobility, and even a key late basket in the win. He carried that momentum into the Clippers matchup, once again proving he can contribute meaningful minutes when called upon.

With Ayton healthy, the blueprint is clear: he remains the starting center, the primary pick-and-roll threat, and the anchor inside.

But Kleber is now firmly making his case for steady rotation minutes — whether in smaller, more mobile defensive lineups or as a direct backup option on nights when Ayton needs rest or gets into foul trouble.

This is no longer a question of if Kleber can help.

It’s now about how Redick chooses to fit him into the rotation.

👍 A Good Problem for the Lakers

In the end, the takeaway is twofold:

• Ayton avoided a serious injury, easing concerns about long-term availability.
• Kleber is proving he deserves a role, giving the Lakers more legitimate frontcourt depth.

For JJ Redick, this is the kind of challenge every coach prefers — having more capable players than available minutes. The hope now is that Ayton continues progressing and returns soon, giving the Lakers a chance to finally build extended minutes with their full core, especially with crucial NBA Cup games approaching.