Los Angeles Lakers Get Boost with Deandre Ayton's Expected Return from Injury Against Mavericks
The Los Angeles Lakers have received a significant boost with the expected return of starting center Deandre Ayton from injury just in time for their Friday night matchup against the struggling Dallas Mavericks. The 29-year-old big man had been dealing with a knee injury, which saw him miss multiple games, including the team's previous matchup against the Clippers.
Ayton had initially checked out of the Lakers' November 23 game against the Utah Jazz after playing just 13 minutes and recording two points, three rebounds, and one steal. His status was uncertain, but following an MRI, it has been confirmed that he is cleared to return to action on Friday night.
The Lakers have already secured a spot in the knockout round of the NBA Cup with their recent victory over the Clippers. With Ayton's return, they can now aim for six consecutive wins and push their record to 14-4 on the year.
Ayton has shown promising signs since joining the Lakers in the offseason, averaging 15.5 points per game, making nearly 70% of his shots from the field, and posting 8.4 rebounds per contest. He also averages nearly one block per game, showcasing his defensive prowess.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, have been eliminated from the tournament after their loss to the Lakers earlier this week. With Ayton expected to return, the Lakers can now focus on securing a win against a struggling opponent and advancing to 14-4 on the year.
Friday's matchup is set to tip off at 10 PM ET, providing an opportunity for Ayton and the Lakers to make a statement in their quest for dominance in the NBA Cup.
The Los Angeles Lakers have received a significant boost with the expected return of starting center Deandre Ayton from injury just in time for their Friday night matchup against the struggling Dallas Mavericks. The 29-year-old big man had been dealing with a knee injury, which saw him miss multiple games, including the team's previous matchup against the Clippers.
Ayton had initially checked out of the Lakers' November 23 game against the Utah Jazz after playing just 13 minutes and recording two points, three rebounds, and one steal. His status was uncertain, but following an MRI, it has been confirmed that he is cleared to return to action on Friday night.
The Lakers have already secured a spot in the knockout round of the NBA Cup with their recent victory over the Clippers. With Ayton's return, they can now aim for six consecutive wins and push their record to 14-4 on the year.
Ayton has shown promising signs since joining the Lakers in the offseason, averaging 15.5 points per game, making nearly 70% of his shots from the field, and posting 8.4 rebounds per contest. He also averages nearly one block per game, showcasing his defensive prowess.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, have been eliminated from the tournament after their loss to the Lakers earlier this week. With Ayton expected to return, the Lakers can now focus on securing a win against a struggling opponent and advancing to 14-4 on the year.
Friday's matchup is set to tip off at 10 PM ET, providing an opportunity for Ayton and the Lakers to make a statement in their quest for dominance in the NBA Cup.