{"id":644000,"date":"2026-03-06T21:37:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T21:37:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/644000\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T21:37:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T21:37:39","slug":"los-angeles-lakers-make-deandre-ayton-announcement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/644000\/","title":{"rendered":"Los Angeles Lakers Make Deandre Ayton Announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) stands alone on the court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 79 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On Friday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> will play the Indiana Pacers<\/a> (at home) in California.<\/p>\n

The Lakers are coming off a 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets<\/a> (in Colorado) on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Deandre Ayton<\/a> finished the game with two rebounds in only four minutes of playing time (he left with an injury).<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Lakers Make Deandre Ayton Announcement\"\"<\/p>\n

LOS ANGELES, CA \u2013 FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) stands alone on the court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> at Crypto.com Arena on February 79 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Before Friday\u2019s game, the Lakers announced that Ayton has been ruled out.<\/p>\n

The former Arizona star is averaging 12.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest while shooting 66.7% from the field in 54 games.<\/p>\n

Underdog NBA wrote:<\/a> \u201cDeandre Ayton (knee) listed out Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyPORTLAND, OREGON \u2013 NOVEMBER 03: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers<\/a> during the second half at Moda Center on November 03, 2025 in Portland, Oregon.\u00a0 (Photo by Steph Chambers\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Ayton And The Lakers\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyLos Angeles, CA \u2013 October 24: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> at Crypto.com Arena on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer \/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Ayton is in his first with the Lakers after stints with the Phoenix Suns<\/a> and Portland Trail Blazers.<\/p>\n

He was the first pick in the 2018 NBA<\/a> Draft after one season of college basketball.<\/p>\n

Jovan Buha wrote after Thursday\u2019s loss:<\/a> \u201cTough loss in the clutch for LA as they fall to 37-25. They drop to 1.5 games behind DEN for No. 5. They\u2019ve lost 12 of their past 13 games against teams with a .600 win % or better. Luka had 27\/11\/7. LeBron had 16\/5\/8.\u201d<\/p>\n

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GettyLos Angeles, CA \u2013 December 28: Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick<\/a> stands on the court during a timeout during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings<\/a> at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer \/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Lakers have had a solid season where they are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 37-25 record in 62 games.<\/p>\n

They are 5-5 over their last ten games (and 18-12 at home).<\/p>\n

Following the Pacers, the Lakers will remain at home to host Jalen Brunson<\/a> and the New York Knicks<\/a> on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA \u2013 FEBRUARY 20: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers<\/a> at Crypto.com Arena on February 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.\u00a0 (Photo by Luiza Moraes\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Indiana Pacers In 2025-26\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS \u2013 DECEMBER 05: Head coach Rick Carlisle of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Chicago Bulls<\/a> during the first half at the United Center on December 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.\u00a0 (Photo by Michael Reaves\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Pacers come into play as the 15th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 15-47 record in 62 games.<\/p>\n

They are in the middle of a seven-game losing streak (and 5-25 on the road).<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBen Stinar<\/a> Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0
\n
\nHe has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Sports\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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