The Los Angeles Lakers are enjoying a smooth and consistent run in the 2025–26 NBA season, and their momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. On Nov. 25, the purple and gold secured their 13th win of the campaign in a (135–118) performance against the Clippers, which was a victory fueled by Luka Dončić’s incredible 43-point showcase.
However, for many Lakers fans, the biggest reason for optimism actually arrived before the opening tip. During pregame media availability, head coach JJ Redick delivered a hopeful and attention-grabbing update on the injury timeline of starting center Deandre Ayton.
Deandre Ayton Gets a Major Update Regarding His Injury
During the pregame interview before Tuesday’s matchup between the Lakers and the Clippers, Redick was asked about the injury status of Ayton, who had been ruled “Out” for the night. The head coach didn’t waste any time addressing the concern and firmly stated that Ayton’s injury is not that serious.
“He got hit on his knee, the MRI was clean other than just swelling, a little bit of a bruise. I don’t think it’s going to be a long-term thing, and hopefully it’s game to game, and he’s back at some point by the end of the week,” said Redick during the pregame interview.
Ayton’s injury scare came two nights earlier in the Lakers’ tight 108-106 win over the Utah Jazz on Nov. 23. Midway through the second quarter, he was forced to exit after absorbing a hard collision in the first quarter when Jazz rookie Ace Bailey attacked the rim and crashed into Ayton’s planted right leg, jamming his right knee and leaving him visibly limping off the floor. The Lakers ruled it a right knee contusion, and Ayton did not return.
Ayton entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft when he was selected by the Phoenix Suns, where he developed into a starting-caliber center on a playoff team.
After his stint in Phoenix and a subsequent run with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton made the move to Los Angeles in July 2025 when he signed a two-year deal worth $16.6 million. This deal also includes a player option for the 2026-27 season. He has held down the starting center spot for the Lakers this season, though he has already dealt with a few minor bumps, including a recent missed practice due to illness.
Even without Ayton on Tuesday, the Lakers performed well. They started slowly and trailed by a single point after the first quarter. But they quickly found their rhythm and took a three-point lead into halftime. In the second half, their offense scored 66 points, which the Clippers could not handle, and ultimately lost.
Next up, the Lakers will face the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 28. Given Redick’s indication that Ayton’s MRI was clean and his suggestion that the center could be back by the end of the week, fans have real reason to hope that the former No. 1 pick will be available for that matchup or shortly thereafter.
