Deandre Ayton feared the worst. After colliding with a rookie during the game against the Utah Jazz, the Los Angeles Lakers center felt a sensation that scared him more than anything else on the court. It felt like a break.
But instead of a season-ending announcement, the 13-4 Lakers received the green light. As they look to extend a five-game winning streak, their big man is ready to return.
How Serious Was Deandre Ayton’s Knee Injury?
Los Angeles faces the Dallas Mavericks tonight in the final game of the NBA Cup’s group stage. Ayton is set to play, marking a quick recovery from an injury that initially looked devastating. Now, after some time off, Los Angeles is back in action, and so is their center.
While discussing his injury, Ayton revealed just how painful the collision was. He said, “It was scary the way it felt. It felt like my knee broke.”
“It was scary the way it felt. It felt like my knee broke.” – Deandre Ayton on the knee contusion he suffered two games ago and how he feels ready to return to the lineup now. The Lakers upgraded him to available vs. DAL. pic.twitter.com/29MUJwvuxe
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 28, 2025
The Lakers starter didn’t mince words when asked if the moment was “scary.” He confessed that it was, specifically noting that it felt as though his knee had broken. However, Ayton clarified that while the pain lingers, it is something he can manage on the court.
That recovery process required patience. Ayton explained that he was unable to play in the previous game because fluid buildup had prevented him from moving his knee. He used the time off to rest and take medication, a necessary reset after he tried to grit through 13 minutes against Utah following the collision with Jazz rookie Ace Bailey.
His return comes at a crucial moment. Going into this game, the Lakers are 3-0 in NBA Cup matchups. Their recent 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers counted toward that record, leaving Ayton and his squad as the only unbeaten team in Group B. They have a chance to win the group, but securing the tournament title will likely require their center to be in the lineup.
Ayton has fit right in since joining the team on a two-year deal this year. He is averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds, anchoring a squad that currently sits second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. With LeBron James back, the roster is even stronger.
Success isn’t new to the big man. The first pick of the 2018 NBA Draft reached the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, and he sees that same potential here. With him back in the rotation, the Lakers look to continue their ongoing success.