Lakers center Deandre Ayton had to leave Sunday’s game in Utah midway through the second quarter due to a right knee contusion, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Ayton continued playing after an early collision with Ace Bailey, but the pain eventually became too intense.
“He had gotten hit on his leg in the first half and was kind of limping through it,” coach JJ Redick said. “And then couldn’t go in the second half.”
Ayton has been a bargain so far on the two-year, $16.6MM contract he signed during the summer after reaching a buyout agreement with Portland. He was averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game coming into Sunday’s contest while shooting 69.6% from the field.
With Ayton sidelined, Jaxson Hayes started the second half and Maxi Kleber logged 14 minutes. Kleber was part of the closing lineup and had a dunk with 1:21 remaining to help L.A. hold on for a two-point victory.
“Obviously, Jaxson has been in a starting role for us before, so very easy for him to step in and into that role,” LeBron James said. “But Maxi gave us big-time minutes. Brought physicality, had a big-time move towards the end to get that dunk.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- James, who finished with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists in 34 minutes in his second game since returning from sciatica, talked about the process of getting back into playing shape (Twitter video link from Khobi Price of The Orange County Register). “The only way to get back in basketball shape is to be playing the basketball game,” James said. “My wind will get better and better. But this week was kind of like my training camp for me, to be honest. So I’m still working my way back.”
- James also offered a message to his longtime friend, Clippers guard Chris Paul, who will retire at the end of the season (video link from McMenamin). “Hope he can just get joy out of this final year,” James said. “… I hope he takes it all in. This is his last hoorah, so we’ll never get this moment again once you’re done to be able to go out and be in the arena.”
- The Lakers are off to a 12-4 start despite ranking 26th in the league in three-point shooting percentage, notes Dan Woike of The Athletic. The month-long slump continued Sunday as they were 10-of-38 (26.3%) from long distance. Austin Reaves, who missed seven of his eight three-point attempts at Utah, said the team is finding other ways to win. “I think it’s just chemistry. Care factor’s high,” he said. “You wanna go out there and do whatever you can do to help one another succeed. And I think that that goes a long way. There’s no selfishness; everybody wants to see everybody succeed.”
Luka always played with a lot of joy, and his teammates loved him in Dallas. The same is true in LA, and maybe it’s in a whole other level now.
But the real glue may be Reaves. He seems to be everyone’s best friend on the team. The chemistry of the team is amazing.
The Lakers have the second best record in the West despite: 1) everyone besides Rui shooting dramatically below their level from 3 at 26%, 2) Bron missing 14 games, Luka 4, and Austin, 3) several key rotation players being new this year (Ayton, LaRavia and Smart, and this is Luka’s first training camp with the Lakers.
Thunder have had the easiest start of sky team. They have played only 4 teams with winning records, while the Lakers have played 10 and Nuggets 9. The Lakers, if healthy, are legit contenders.
Lakers look worse with LeBron. They played Utah and I was at 1 game and watched the other. Had Utah had a bench they lose both games. When the playoffs roll around it will be a first or 2nd round exit. That’s not hating it’s facts. Lebron is not a star anymore. I don’t want to hear the numbers game I watched the game. Beat of the dribble he had 8 points yesterday from not running back and Utah blowing 5 on 3 or 4on 2.
Utah is youg and has some good pieces but LeBron is throwing AR off rythem. I still think Luka is a top 5 player in the NBA so he is always going to show up. However I want to see AR produce in the playoffs.
You are super Laker fan so I don’t expect any analyze back because all you care about is record in November when I am looking at the game.
I do believe next year with that 50 million in cap they will be able to compete for a championship.
The guy’s been out 7 months and the team has preseason, practices, and like 15 games under its belt together. It isn’t NBA 2K, you don’t just plug somebody that major into your team and expect it to be instantly clicking on all cylinders. Don’t think you can expect game 2 to be peak performance individually or as a unit
Nobody is expecting him to be in peak performance. However, we’ve already discussed this on multiple posts. After watching him live and watching him for two games, he lost some of his athletic ability which happens to everybody over the last couple years. He is not the same finisher around the hoop and he’s never been a jump shooter. His defense was never top tier and nobody expects a 41 year old to be locking down player. If he is going to be your number three option, you will not be winning an NBA championship father time has passed him. Now can AR be a number 2 option? I don’t think so but time will tell. Luka, AR and LeBron all are challenged defensively so if they’re on the court, you’ll see exactly what happened in Utah these past two games where the Jazz scored easily. The problem was the Jazz didn’t have a bench and so when markentin and George went to the beach the Lakers took advantage by catching up playing against third strings or rookies who are learning the game. When they start playing contenders in actual real teams, they’re going to get scored on and again going to need to rely on the free throws to keep themselves in the game. The gap between the Lakers and OKC and Denver is huge.
That’s why If you read my original post, I stated that when they get the 50 million back from LeBron if they build a team right they should be contenders next year
You saying that Luka and Reaves are challenged defensively shows that you haven’t been watching the Lakers play. Luka is for sure a plus defender now, Reaves is a very good defender, and once Bron gets his wind he will be a plus defender (of course, not great as he used to be).
Anyway, not worth arguing with you. I put it out there and you’ll see at the end of the year!
They are challenged defensively And you not even admitting that lets me know that it doesn’t matter what I say. You’re just going to defend your position. You also didn’t give any analysis to what you said. Except for that they are good. I just told you I was at the game and watched the other game sitting two rows back. Utah effectively picked the team apart offensively the biggest issue was coming off. The bench is nothing but third stringers and young guys who are just getting their footing in the league. If Utah can pick them apart a contender can.
2nd for everyone screaming about the salary cap. I know that’s not how it works that they will still be over the cap. However, 50 million off of the cap will get you way below the second apron which is what determines how you can utilize your team and maneuver. They are currently under the 2nd apron if they are able to get 50 million under the second apron that gives the Lakers a bunch more room and position to either trade picks, trade players, sign players and maneuver a little bit more. Ayton is also on a two year deal. So having to resign. Aiden is not a concern for next summer. They’ll have plenty enough money left over to add defenders and shooters.
Last LeBron has never been an elite defender anybody saying that doesn’t really know basketball. Does LeBron get steals play the passing Lane and Chase down blocks? Absolutely but needing to shut down. Paul Pierce giving up 46 points when he played for Cleveland when he played for Miami is not a elite defender. What made LeBron a so called great defender was his ability to guard Derrick Rose in his prime when both of them have the same type of game which was athletic ability and not the greatest jump shot. So that was a trailered made match up for him. I never said when LeBron was younger that he wasn’t a good defender or didn’t play defense, but he was never an elite defender. So somebody sitting on here telling me a 41-year-old plays pretty good defense when he was never an elite defender to begin with. Yes, I’m going to tell you they don’t know what they’re talking about.
Last Austin Reeves is a Avg defender And I need to see him be the number two option in the playoffs. Again. This is November basketball and this is what Laker fans usually do. They get excited and then as soon as you guys have an injury or when the teams start playing better then you say you’re one piece away. Then after the trade deadline you’re champion contenders again. Then when you get put out in the first or the second round or the one year you were swept in the conference finals which basically is a first or second round exit. Then you say LeBron has no help. It’s the same play over and over and over and over again. You guys are not championship contenders this year. I do not see you beating Denver nor OKC and as I said if Houston gets a point guard, you won’t beat them either
The Lakers are not getting 50 m to spend in the offseason
That money will be lucky to retain Ayton and Rui and Reaves cap holds then a Room exception of around 9 M per year
Its not 50 on top of this team sans Bron like your suggesting. Its going to take multiple years to truly build the roster/salaries up .
LBJs expiring 50 M isn’t as Big as you make it to be and I am a Lakers fan
* I agree with your analysis on last night tho, they played horrible and if Lauri wasn’t awful the first 44 mins we lose easily to Utah …gotta be better, also agree its not a championship team yet w many flaws but few are today
First, the Jazz and the Blazers are big up and coming teams. They are on the cusp, so they are going to be very inconsistent this year, but n any night they can beat any team. They are very talented.
Blazers have a losing record, but have already beaten the Thunder, the Nuggets, the Lakers and GSW twice. To me the Jazz are in that category. Very talented young players, but not enough experience yet to close games consistently. On any given night they are a threat to any team.
LeBron’s defense was never top tier?? I knew you were just spewing nonsense but that one is how I know you have no idea what you’re talking about.
LeBron haters trying to disguise their criticism is always hilarious because they can only do it for so long without exposing themselves as know-nothing weenies with a grudge that’s been held for far too long.
I’m a Luka fan, and not Bron; however, the Lakers are definitely significantly better team with Bron. You literally have no clue what you’re talking about!!!
Sorry, Johnnybgood and luvhoops: Buying buckets and Cap & Crunch win this one – almost in a landslide, really. I don’t know why anyone who has watched basketball the last several years would get overly excited about a team LeBron is on. It’s rarely, if ever, been a strength of LeBron’s when the going gets tough and sacrifices – and an all-out effort – are needed from him. LeBron is unquestionable one of the greatest all-time regular-season NBA players. You’re much safer betting against him when the stakes matter more. That’s just how it is.
I don’t think LeBron has anything to do with the Lakers current problems. My point moreso was his money falling off will not solve the problems we DO HAVE for next year bc that’s simply not how the cap works
This team clearly needs a defensive Ace who can guard 1-4 on switches like a Caruso or Dort . Until they get that they will be fun as hell to watch regular season and be an out come playoffs for someone .
The Lakers are a huge work in progress and its going to take Walter and Co a couple years Imo until they are top top tier
* LeBrons passing has been a treat Imo Dud, how he is going to react to being the 3rd option is still up for debate but I wouldn’t draw definitive conclusions on that today; early results have been very good and man they are super fun to watch if you enjoy passing and a more old school game inside the arc. Dare I say they feel like Showtime at moments and its F’N awesome to watch
** Love the enthusiasm tho Johnny BeGood, you have been more correct on the Lakers than I so far who had them 9th in West to start the year. Thoroughly enjoying being wrong so far
First, who said the team is dependent on LeBron. Even if he is the third best player on the team, he still is a major asset.
Second, LeBron has taken his team to the NBA finals 10 times (out of 22 years) l, and won 4 titles. How is he not someone you cannot count on? Are you typing while high?
“Lebron is not a star anymore.”
We already know this already. Even Lebron himself knows.
He is 40 and he just got back from an injury and has just played 2 games.
The thing is, not only him should adjust his game; be an off-ball player, picking his spots while AR & Luka handles the ball; Luka & AR should be able to be good catch & shoot guys also, if the situation calls for it and in this modern NBA where defense as good as OKC, them being able to be good catch & shoot players is a plus!
Also the whole they played X amount of teams with winning records ( your not the only person who throws this out there) is a stupid conversation. It’s November we don’t know who the playoff teams are . Every years teams start off hot or slow and it changes. Let’s have this conversation mid January.
So teams like Philly are letting there young guys play reserving their stars and vets that are in your for January, February basketball. Again Lakers are playing well but I don’t see them beating Denver or OKC. And if Huston gets a point guard at any point this season they will be a top 3 team.
Also can’t rule out Dallas. If AD comes back and they get there full team they are a playoff team. Not sure if that happens. San Antonio will also make adjustments and trades to help the team out. Long season
Chris Paul will make one hell of a coach if that’s what he decides to do. Years of experience, excellent floor general, savy vet, knows the game inside and out, well respected among the league, still able to have a laugh and played a major role in developing younger players already.
One of his good friends and former teammates JJ Reddick has made the transition into coaching and has so far been pretty good. JJ’s a great student of the game but he’s always said Chris was always more knowledgeable. Would love to see him win as a coach because he never made it as a player
JJ is not a good coach he got Luka a top 3-5 NBA player. If he doesn’t win a championship in the next 3 years then no, I don’t think he is a good coach. His substitutions suck and his ball movement schemes only work in the first half and teams pick it apart by the 3rs and 4th quarter. He also has the most experience assistant coaches.
I do agree on Chris Paul, although just because you’re a good player doesn’t make you a good coach, but he does have to make up for it every point guard that is played behind him over the last 10 years have arguably gotten better so he must be doing something right.
When they start playing contenders, AR and Luka alone won’t be sufficient. Top tier competition will require another high level player. As seen in their game vs OKC.
Some of the things you say are objectively false. Never a top tier defender? He’s not prime currently but to say he’s never been a high level defender is just false. Never been a jump shooter, yeah if you mean vs San Antonio years ago. Objectively he’s shooting more volume and above league average from three past two years. Outside of Rui and Luka he’d be their most productive shooter currently. Higher percentage (on lower volume) than Luka.
LeBron is definitely not the player he once was but I just don’t believe Lakers ceiling is better without him.
Also, that’s not how the salary cap works. If you let him walk you don’t just get his same salary to spend on an incoming free agent. So it’s not like you just get 50 when he retires
Yea I hear a ton of folks saying this today as well about the 50 M. Not how it works indeed not even close
I just explained in my latest reply about the $50 million. Again nobody’s expecting them to get 50 million just to spend but it puts them $50 million under the second apron which is going to allow for trades and for picks to be moved also Ayton is on a two year deal. The point of getting $50 million freed up is having the the ability for trades and a little bit of extra money to be able to add shooters and defenders lon threats around Luka. And if you’re going to have AR be your number two option. I guess I need to spell everything out for you
Ayton is opting out, he has a player option so they would need pure cap to retain him. They can probably (most likely) squeeze Rui and Reaves cap holds and secure Ayton with the rest of the cap but that be it .
Weather LBJ would take a huge haircut to come back for either the full MLE 15 M or the Room exception (9M ) pending where we land who knows, most likely not
No cap, no Ayton, they wont have apron problems either way nor have many trade restrictions currently with LeBron for this season . They are one of few contenders that can actually take more money in today than they send out albeit only 1.2 M
Its scary Tbh how much gravitational pull Ayton has on the team currently on how they proceed at the trade deadline and the summer. In some regards we really need him, but do we really trust him when he’s not on a 1 yr prove it contract and secures a 4/100 in the summer ?
Im not there yet nor do I think I could be even by the summer but thats where its all heading
Or they could operate over the cap pay Reaves Rui LBJ Hayes whatever they want but that only leave the full MLE (15M) left and thats not going to be enough to keep Ayton if he plays to the standards theyd need him too. So now we are back to 2024
Its a major pickle and a HUGE reason why I dont think you will see them take back any money moving forward at this trade deadline.
Walter has his work cut out for him
Again I address the cap stuff in my reply I know that’s not how that cap works. They will also dump bronny giving them 54 million below the 2nd apron.
LeBron is a avg shooter. And as somebody who played basketball, it’s more about your rhythm and your fit. There’s only one basketball LeBron plays with the ball. In his hand, Luca plays with the ball in his hand. AR plays with the ball and sand. So all three of them can’t be on the court at the same time playing defense and LeBron’s. Not effective enough with the ball in his hand because he’s older to be able to dominate the ball And make up for his defensive laps.
I just explained in my original post I was on the second row at the Utah game and I watched the full game online and on both those games I’m LeBron received about eight points because you saw ineffectively didn’t score on two on fives three on five missing allowing for outlet passes for LeBron. If you think your getting those baskets in the playoffs. It’s not just as defense this year. He’s been playing bad defense for the last 4 or 5 years but it’s even worse now because I’ve seen a decline in its athletic ability. You can see it up close now. And team well scheme against him. It’s not hate. It’s not anything else. It’s just called father time
Idk. I don’t think someone who has played team basketball expects a team that, again, has preseason, practices and 15 games together to look as good the first or second game back incorporating a player who is not only a huge part of the team, but also has not played basketball in like 6 months. Particularly if that team has been playing well.
But that’s just me. Like I won’t be quick to say “OKC isn’t blowing guys out by 40” in Jalen Williams’ first game back, as some sort of implication that he’s not actually an addition to their team over the entire season.
Free throw practice will help those three point struggles I’m willing to bet. Hence 12-4.
Jebron Lames!