The Los Angeles Lakers were shorthanded on Saturday night as they defeated the Golden State Warriors, 105-99. Deandre Ayton was out of action due to a knee injury. He joined Luka Doncic on the sidelines as the six-time All-Star nurses a hamstring strain.
With the Lakers missing two starters, LeBron James stepped up to lift his team against a Warriors side that also did not have Steph Curry (knee injury). James registered a team-high 20 points on 6-of-17 shooting, to go along with seven rebounds, 10 assists, a steal, one block and two three-pointers in 35 minutes of action.
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The Lakers improved to 32-19 after Saturday’s victory.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Ayton was a late scratch for the Warriors game. He was ruled out before tip-off due to a sore right knee. Head coach JJ Redick said after the Warriors game that Ayton was day-to-day moving forward.
The Lakers are back in action on Monday night. They host the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in a home game at Crypto.com Arena. The good news for L.A. is that Ayton is poised to return.
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The Lakers submitted their injury report for Monday’s matchup, and Ayton has been listed as probable to play. While there is no guarantee he will suit up against OKC, the probable tag is a good sign for the 7-foot center.
It is worth noting, however, that Monday’s game will be the front end of a back-to-back set for the Lakers. They are in action again on Tuesday against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Both games will be at home for the Lakers, but this could still be a factor in Ayton’s final status for the Thunder matchup.
Regardless of whether Ayton plays or not, L.A. will be undermanned against the defending champs. Doncic has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury. The six-time All-Star will sit out a second straight matchup, but is also considered day-to-day.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.