Deandre Ayton upgraded for NBA Cup game against Mavericks
The Los Angeles Lakers won a place in NBA Cup quarterfinals after a win against the LA Clippers on Tuesday, and they have one more Cup game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The The Lakers were without Deandre Ayton in the win against the Clippers with a knee injury, but is on track to return as the Mavericks come to town.
Deandre Ayton has been upgraded to The Lakers injury report is likely as they prepare for their final NBA Cup matchup against the Mavericks. Besides Ayton’s return to the lineup, the game will surely stir up old emotions due to the controversial Luka Doncic trade from last season. Anthony Davis, who the Lakers sent to Dallas in that deal, did also on track to return in what would be his first game back in the Cripto.com Arena as an opponent.
Ayton’s presence would give the Lakers a strong counter to Davis in the frontcourt. Ayton was signed as a free agent in the offseason after buying out his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. After last season’s disappointing playoff exit, it was painfully obvious that the Lakers needed an upgrade at the starting center position.
When Ayton hit the free agent market, the Lakers had their man. So far, he has appeared in 15 games with just over 29 minutes per game. He averaged 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 69.6 percent from the field and 56.5 percent from the free throw line.
In addition to Ayton, veteran guard Marcus Smart appeared on the injury report as questionable with back spasms. Smart was another offseason addition that left his mark on the team, especially on the defensive end.
The Lakers started the season with a record of 13-4 and are currently the 2nd seed in the Western Conference standings.
2025-11-28 02:16:00
