Ayton finished with 29 points (14-19 FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists across 31 minutes in Monday's 123-115 win over the Trail Blazers.
Ayton returned to action after missing Sunday's win over Miami due to back spasms and delivered an extremely efficient performance. With Luka Doncic (finger), Austin Reaves (groin) and LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined, Ayton finished as the Lakers' leading scorer, securing his second outing with at least 20 points through seven regular-season appearances. The big man also grabbed a game-high mark in rebounds en route to his third double-double of the campaign. The 27-year-old was productive on the defensive end against one of his former teams as well, chipping in a game- and season-best three blocks.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Will play Monday
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Ayton (back) is available for Monday's game against Portland, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
After missing Sunday's win over the Heat due to back spasms, Ayton will return to action in the second leg of the Lakers' back-to-back set. Over six regular-season appearances thus far, the big man has averaged 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 31.3 minutes per contest.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Iffy for Monday
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Ayton (back) is questionable for Monday's game against Portland, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.
After sitting out Sunday's game against the Heat in what was the first leg of a back-to-back set, Ayton's availability is still a question mark. If he's able to get the green light Monday, he's likely to see a spike in usage with Luka Doncic (rest) and Austin Reaves (groin) both sidelined.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Won't play Sunday
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Ayton (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Heat.
Ayton will not play in Sunday's contest due to back spasms that arose during Friday's bout against the Grizzlies. Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role at center, while Jarred Vanderbilt could also get extra run to supplement the frontcourt.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Downgraded to questionable
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Ayton (back) is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Ayton was originally labeled probable for Sunday's game, but he has now been downgraded to questionable as he continues to deal with tightness and spasms in his back. If he is unable to go, Jaxson Hayes figures to see an expanded role.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Probable for Sunday
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Ayton (back) is probable for Sunday's game against the Heat, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Ayton experienced back spasms during Friday's win over the Grizzlies and didn't return. According to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, head coach JJ Redick said the big man was available to check back in but was held out as a precaution. Over six regular-season games, Ayton has averaged 14.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 31.5 minutes per contest.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Records double-double in victory
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Ayton had 17 points (8-11 FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one block in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 116-115 win over the Timberwolves.
Ayton crafted his second double-double of the season during the thrilling last-second win. The Lakers are currently riddled with injuries, and Ayton is one of the last vestiges of what was the team's projected starting lineup to begin the season. He's enjoyed a solid start to the season, averaging 16.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocked shots over five games.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: First double-double as Laker
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Ayton ended with 22 points (10-17 FG, 2-4 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 36 minutes during Sunday's 127-120 victory over Sacramento.
It was Ayton's first double-double in three games, and the 22 points were also his best showing in a Lakers jersey. The 27-year-old big man saw increased usage Sunday with both Luka Doncic (finger) and LeBron James (back) sidelined, and his 17 field-goal attempts equaled his total from the first two games of the season combined. Ayton will play a key role in the Los Angeles frontcourt in 2025-26 and has averaged a double-double in every one of his seven NBA campaigns so far, but Ayton's numbers could be even better than usual in the short term until the team's biggest stars get healthy.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Struggles in team debut
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Ayton posted 10 points (5-7 FG, 0-2 FT), six rebounds and one block over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 119-109 loss to the Warriors.
Despite playing 34 minutes, Ayton failed to offer anything of note, a worrying sign given his history. While all the signs pointed to him being primed and ready to go, this performance won't do him any favors. With that said, it is just one game, so there is still ample time for him to turn things around, starting when the Lakers play the Timberwolves on Friday.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Flirts with double-double in loss
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Ayton totaled 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot across 30 minutes during Friday's 117-116 loss to the Kings.
Ayton finished off the preseason in great form. Although Jaxson Hayes is a solid frontcourt player, the Lakers were hurting under the basket after Anthony Davis' departure. The gap was evident toward the end of the season, especially on defense. Finding another option in the off-season was a no-brainer, and the team hopes that Ayton will be the long-term answer for the role. Ayton's numbers should be much better than what he compiled during his tenure in Portland.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Starting Friday
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Ayton is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
Ayton is back from a rest day, which will result in Jaxson Hayes returning to the second unit. Joining Ayton in the starting five for Friday's preseason finale will be Gabe Vincent, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Lined up for action vs. Kings
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Ayton (rest) will play in Friday's preseason finale against the Kings, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
The star big man didn't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, but he's lined up for action Friday. It's set to be Ayton's final exhibition reps prior to Opening Night, and the Lakers will be treating it as a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Resting Wednesday
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Ayton (rest) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, NBA reporter Jovan Buha reports.
Ayton will rest Thursday, joining several other Lakers regulars on the sidelines for the team's penultimate preseason game. The big man is coming off a strong showing Tuesday, when he posted 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist across 26 minutes. The Arizona product will have one final opportunity to see preseason action Friday against the Kings.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Double-double in preseason loss
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Ayton supplied 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist over 26 minutes in Tuesday's 113-104 preseason loss to the Suns.
Ayton recorded his first double-double of the preseason Tuesday and made a strong defensive impact with five combined blocks and steals. The big man appears to be rounding into form ahead of the regular season after a quiet Lakers debut Oct. 3, when he managed just one point in 18 minutes.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Passive again in preseason loss
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Ayton managed seven points (3-8 FG, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes during Sunday's 111-103 preseason loss to the Warriors.
Ayton struggled on the offensive end once again Sunday, scoring an inefficient seven points. Following a one-point performance in his debut for the Lakers on Friday, the hope was that Ayton would be more of a factor, especially against a team like the Warriors. Both LeBron James (pinched nerve) and Luka Doncic (rest) were sidelined once again, hypothetically pushing Ayton up in the offensive pecking order. While it is a very small sample size, Ayton will need to be more involved come Opening Night, should the Lakers hope to challenge in what promises to be a highly competitive Western Conference.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Scores just one point over 18 mins
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Ayton tallied one point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks across 18 minutes during Friday's 103-81 loss to the Suns
While Ayton did do a decent job on the glass, and he managed to collect some defensive stats, he still left a lot to be desired on the offensive end. He attempted just two shots through the first half of action, despite the Lakers being desperate for offense without both LeBron James (pinched nerve) and Luka Doncic (rest), and he didn't attempt a single shot over the second half. It'll be tough for him to find his rhythm competing for touches in L.A. with the likes of Doncic, James and Austin Reaves.
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Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Signs with LAL
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Ayton (calf) agreed to a two-year, $16.6 million contract with the Lakers on Wednesday, NBA reporter Jake Fischer reports.
After a two-year stint with the Blazers, Ayton heads to the Lakers to fill their void at the center position. The veteran big man averaged 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 56.6 percent from the field during the 2024-25 campaign. He probably won't get the post touches he saw in Portland, but he should have more easy dives to the rim where he's fed for easy dunks by Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Ayton (calf) is finalizing a contract buyout with the Trail Blazers on Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Ayton being bought out of his contract makes him a free agent once he clears waivers, and he will likely garner interest from around the league as one of the best centers on the market. The 26-year-old big man played in just 40 games last season and did not make an appearance following the All-Star break due to a calf injury, averaging 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks in 30.2 minutes per contest.
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Trail Blazers' Deandre Ayton: Not playing in season finale
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Ayton (calf) is out for Sunday's game against the Lakers.
Ayton didn't log a single appearance for the Trail Blazers since the All-Star break. He ends the season with averages of 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game across 40 starts.
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Trail Blazers' Deandre Ayton: Unavailable for Friday
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Ayton (calf) won't play in Friday's game against the Warriors.
Ayton hasn't taken the court since Feb. 10 after picking up a left calf strain, and his season is likely over. The Blazers will wrap up the regular season Sunday against the Lakers, though it would seem unlikely that Ayton gains clearance to return for the finale.
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