The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Thursday’s road game against the Utah Jazz and Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness) and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) are listed as out while Maxi Kleber (lumbar muscle strain) is probable and Gabe Vincent (low back soreness) is questionable.
Reaves being out is not a surprise as he will miss his second straight game with a calf injury. He could be back as soon as Saturday, however, as it is not expected to be a long-term issue. He was getting shots up on the practice floor on Wednesday and appeared to be moving well.
This will be the first game Ayton has missed with the elbow injury. It’s unclear when it occurred or how long he will be out, but Jaxson Hayes will likely get the start at center in his absence.
Meanwhile, getting Kleber back in the lineup is suddenly essential with Ayton out. He missed the last two games but should get minutes off the bench in the Lakers rotation in Utah.
Vincent’s injury is also a new one and while he appears to have a chance to play on Thursday, the organization will surely be cautious as back injuries can be tricky. If Vincent is unable to play then Nick Smith Jr. could get backup point guard minutes, and perhaps the Lakers turn to Adou Thiero off the bench as well.
JJ Redick: Lakers have enjoyed getting to know Deandre Ayton
Even though Deandre Ayton is out on Thursday against the Jazz, he has been a breath of fresh air since joining the Lakers.
He was recently given the Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for November for the work he did supporting hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean. Lakers head coach JJ Redick congratulated Ayton on the honor and also expressed how much everyone in the organization has enjoyed his presence this season.
“I think we were in Memphis at shootaround when I found out about the gift he made for the relief in the Bahamas,” Redick said. “I think he’s clearly got an amazing heart and I think our guys have gotten to see him open up to the group. It’s been really fun for everyone. And he’s been very consistent. I’m happy that he was recognized by the NBA. There’s a lot of guys across the league that do things in their communities and it’s an important thing for him to get recognized and I’m happy for him.”
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