The Lakers’ early-season injury issues are continuing to pile up. Deandre Ayton, who typically fills in for LeBron James when he’s sidelined due to sciatica, has been ruled out of tonight’s game. This follows Friday’s matchup against the Grizzlies, where Ayton started but exited mid-game after scoring 9 points without recording a rebound. He later disclosed that he experienced sudden back spasms. Although he had hoped to be ready for tonight’s game against the Miami Heat, that will not be the case.

JJ Redick told the media at the pre-game conference, “He’s [Ayton] downgraded to questionable. So he’s still dealing with some tightness and spasms in that mid-back.” 

Despite Ayton’s previous optimism, it’s unlikely Redick will call upon the center during the game. The Lakers have ruled him out for tonight.

The 27-year-old has averaged 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds through the 2025-26 season so far. He recorded a double-double against the Sacramento Kings and appeared to be emerging as a key player in the starting lineup. However, on Friday, he was a marked contrast to his earlier performance, managing just 17 minutes in the first half without securing a single rebound.

He didn’t return from the locker room for the third quarter, and Jake LaRavia started in his place. He spent the fourth quarter on the bench while getting medical attention. Redick, however, didn’t put him back in the game with the Lakers leading after a very close game. LA won 112-117 in their first group stage game of the NBA Cup.

While Ja Morant’s latest drama stole the show, this game just proved that a sub-optimal Deandre Ayton is better off on the bench.

Deandre Ayton’s health hampers his redemption

Before the NBA Cup group stage game, Deandre Ayton’s enthusiasm was through the roof. He was still riding on the high of the double-double record and looking more than just a role player. With Luka Doncic back from a leg contusion and a finger injury, the Arizona alum’s minutes were going to suffer, yet he was positive.

Although he showed no signs of trouble before the game, Ayton told reporters on Friday that he had been experiencing tightness in his back since the shootaround. This seemed to affect his performance throughout the game, resulting in a poor stat line. He sustained an injury during an alley-oop play, requiring medical attention.

As the former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018, Ayton has faced high expectations. However, he has struggled to fully realize his potential or even come close to his 2019-20 season, when he averaged 18.2 points and 11.5 rebounds.

When the Lakers signed him this offseason, fans weren’t sure he’d meet the defensive needs the team desperately needed. There are days when he lives up to the title of ‘Domin-Ayton’ that Shaq bestowed on him. Sometimes his inconsistency frustrates fans.

The biggest drawback of Ayton’s injury is the Lakers’ depleted roster at this early stage of the season. Gabe Vincent, Adou Thiero, and Maxi Kleber are also sidelined for multiple weeks, along with LeBron. For now, they’re monitoring him on a day-to-day basis, with the possibility of returning before any of the other four.