Los Angeles Lakers star Deandre Ayton

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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At the start of the second half in the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, Jaxson Hayes got the nod to start over Deandre Ayton.

Shortly after, it was revealed that the Lakers were ruling out Ayton for the remainder of the game. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Lakers described Ayton's second-half absence as a "knee issue."

Further announcements regarding Ayton's setback were not provided as the game played on. As McMenamin noted, Ayton recently missed a couple of games before the All-Star break due to right knee soreness. The Lakers would specify which knee was bothering Ayton right away.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during play against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

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Ayton left Thursday's game after appearing in just five minutes during the first quarter. After he was sidelined for the first time on the night, he wouldn't return to the court.

The veteran center wrapped up the game by going 0-1 from the field and coming down with two rebounds.

Ayton was a key pickup for the Lakers during the 2025 NBA offseason. The team acquired the veteran center on a reported two-year deal. Throughout the season, Ayton has had an up-and-down year. Recently, he landed in hot water for a critical comment suggesting the Lakers were using him incorrectly.

In 53 games leading up to Thursday's action, Ayton was averaging 27.7 minutes on the court as a full-time starter for the Lakers. From the field, the veteran center is averaging 66%. Ayton is posting averages of 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.

After Thursday's game against the Nuggets, the Lakers will have a quick turnaround. On Friday, LA is scheduled for a matchup at home against the Indiana Pacers. Ayton's status for that game will be up in the air as of now. If he doesn't get the nod to play on Friday, then the Lakers will target a potential return against the New York Knicks on Sunday.

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