Deandre Ayton Injury Leaves Lakers Critically Thin at Center

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a significant setback on Sunday night after center Deandre Ayton left the game against the Utah Jazz with a right knee contusion. Ayton did not return in the second half, and while the team has not released further details, the situation immediately highlighted a glaring roster issue.

A familiar concern resurfaces

The Lakers opened the third quarter with Jaxson Hayes starting at center, while Maxi Kleber was used as the backup five. With Ayton sidelined, Los Angeles has no true depth at the position, creating a situation that could force the team into extended small-ball stretches—something neither LeBron James nor Luka Dončić wants to rely on regularly.

Ayton had been settling in offensively and defensively, averaging:

• 16.5 points
• 8.8 rebounds
• 0.9 blocks

His combination of rim protection, pick-and-roll finishing, and interior presence provided the type of center Los Angeles has been seeking for years.

Roster déjà vu

Last season exposed the Lakers' vulnerability at center once Ayton went down. After the blockbuster deal to acquire Luka Dončić, Jaxson Hayes became the only available big, and the team even attempted to acquire Mark Williams before a medical issue voided the move.

Hayes started the final stretch of the regular season but never played more than 10 minutes in any playoff game. The Lakers were repeatedly forced into small-ball lineups, where matchups against elite bigs such as:

• Nikola Jokić
• Alperen Sengun
• Victor Wembanyama
• Chet Holmgren

became nearly impossible to navigate without a strong interior anchor.

What now?

If Ayton is forced to miss additional time, the Lakers' best lineups may feature:

• LeBron James at center, or
• Maxi Kleber as a floor-spacing small-ball five

While such lineups can open the offense, it places enormous physical burden on James, who turns 40 this season. Hayes will absorb minutes, but he is not a long-term stabilizing option.

With the Western Conference filled with dominant post players, the margin for error is small—and losing Ayton, even for a short stretch, could prove costly.

Awaiting clarity

The team will likely provide an update before Tuesday’s matchup with the Clippers, but the lack of immediate information has left fans uneasy. Los Angeles traditionally keeps injury details tight, and with no reliable backup center available, the situation could accelerate front-office urgency.

For now, the Lakers can only wait—and hope that Ayton’s injury is minor and short-term.