Will Deandre Ayton play against the Jazz after not practicing on Saturday?

Doc Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton did not take part in training on Saturday, there is still a chance to be ready for Sunday’s game against Utah Jazz. Ayton talked about the Lakers finding their defensive identity in the midst of an 11-4 start to the regular season. The Lakers have won four of their last five games, but could go for a fourth straight without Deandre.

Ayton, who has been suffering from an identified illness, missed Lakers practice, but will go on a journey in Utah for Sunday’s game against the Jazz, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike.

“Deandre Ayton (illness) did not practice today, but will meet with the team on the plane for Sunday against the Jazz,” Woike reported.

Ayton recorded his third straight double-double (20 points, 14 rebounds) in a 140-126 win against the Jazz on Tuesday. He missed the Lakers’ previous two wins against the Milwaukee Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, and will look to avoid a third straight absence on Sunday.

Since scoring a season-high 29 points in a 123-115 win against the Portland Trail Blazers, Ayton has had an impressive month, averaging 17.8 points on 75.3% shooting, 9.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game in eight outings. The Lakers are 6-2 this month in games with Ayton active.

Deandre Ayton reveals the strengths of the Lakers for the 2025-26 season

While Lakers center Deandre Ayton could miss his fourth straight game this week, his team has found its stride, which starts on the defensive end of the floor. Jake LaRavia has a strong defensive presence in the Lakers’ frontcourt, and the same could be said for Jackson Hayes.

In the midst of his first month of the regular season with the Lakers, Ayton is seeing his team’s identity begin to take shape.

“I’m starting to understand this team, what drives us is defensive stops. That’s what keeps our momentum going,” Ayton said after the win. “You’ve got guys like Marcus (Smart), Bron (LeBron) when he gets out there, trying to protect the rim, and Jak (Jaxon Hayes) bringing that energy … closing possessions, that’s what gets everybody fired up and going.”

The Lakers’ 11-4 record is third best in the Western Conference.