Deandre Ayton injury update: Lakers center misses second half vs. Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Lakers earned their first win in NBA Cup group play Friday night, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 117–112 at FedExForum. Luka Doncic once again dazzled, this time on the road, scoring 44 points with 12 rebounds and six assists.
Doncic has now scored 40 or more points in each of the three games he’s played this season. Austin Reaves added 21 points, four rebounds and four assists in the victory.
However, it was Deandre Ayton who drew headlines — and concern — for the wrong reasons. Ayton had a strong first half, scoring nine points on 4-for-6 shooting, but his absence in the second half puzzled fans. Head coach JJ Redick opted to start Jaxson Hayes after halftime, and when cameras panned to the Lakers’ bench, Ayton was nowhere to be seen.
According to Lakers insider Dave McMenamin, Ayton later returned to the bench with a wrap around his lower back. He reportedly intended to reenter the game and worked with the training staff, but ultimately never returned to action.
Given the Lakers’ struggles at the center position last season, fans are understandably concerned about Ayton’s availability moving forward. Injuries have already tested Los Angeles’ depth this year — LeBron James has yet to debut in the 2025–26 season, while Doncic has missed two games.
The Lakers will have Saturday off before returning home to Crypto.com Arena on Sunday to face the Miami Heat.
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Mack Baltes
Mack Baltes is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He specializes in MLB and NBA, but also has experience covering the NFL, PGA Tour, English Premier League and NASCAR Cup Series. His work has been seen on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, FanSided’s Redbird Rants and Enforce the Sport.
