UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events during the Los Angeles Lakers’ decisive win over the New Orleans Pelicans on November 26, 2023, center Deandre Ayton suffered an apparent knee injury. With just over seven minutes left in the game, Ayton was seen grabbing his knee while defending in the paint, prompting the Lakers to call a timeout.
Ayton limped off the court in visible pain, raising immediate concerns among fans and teammates. Fortunately, Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided a glimmer of hope, reporting that Ayton was in “terrific spirits” post-game, although detailed updates on his condition remain unclear.
The Lakers dominated the matchup, with Ayton contributing significantly before his exit. He logged 27 minutes on the floor, scoring 22 points on an impressive 7-of-9 shooting from the field and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. Additionally, he secured 12 rebounds and made four blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess.
The injury is particularly concerning as Ayton had recently missed a game due to a knee contusion just a week prior. Despite this setback, he had been enjoying a strong start with the Lakers, averaging 15.6 points and shooting 70 percent over the previous 16 games.
As the Lakers prepare for their next game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, Ayton’s status remains uncertain. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring updates on his condition, as missing a third game this season could impact the team’s performance.
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