Ayton did not because of the same ailment that kept him from playing in the second half of Friday’s road win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bam Adebayo led the way in Thursday’s loss as he ended the game with 31 points and 10 rebounds while Andrew Wiggins recorded 24 points and six rebounds. While both teams are looking for a key victory on Sunday night, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries.

The former No. 1 overall pick has been a pleasant surprise for the Lakers this season, averaging 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds on an efficient 62.7% shooting from the field. Having played in all six games so far, Ayton has exceeded expectations, currently ranking 10th in the league in points scored in the paint.

According to the recent injury update, Deandre Ayton is expected to return for the Lakers' game against the Miami Heat on Sunday night.

The Los Angeles Lakers are riding a three-game winning streak as they head to Portland for a tough rematch. But a key question hangs over the team ahead of tipoff.

The Lakers’ early season injury struggles continue to mount. Deandre Ayton, the space filler for LeBron James who’s out with sciatica, is ruled out from the game.

The Los Angeles Lakers saw superstar Luka Doncic's injury status change ahead of Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

In the NBA, few voices carry more authority in the paint than Shaquille O’Neal’s- and when The Diesel talks big-man fundamentals, everyone listens. After watching Deandre Ayton muscle Rudy Gobert and hold him to just two points,