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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) stands on the court during the matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 9, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Indiana Pacers at home in California.
The Lakers recently suffered a 120-113 defeat to the Denver Nuggets in Colorado on Thursday.
Deandre Ayton only had two rebounds and played four minutes due to an injury.
Los Angeles Lakers Announce Deandre Ayton’s Status
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on February 9, 2026. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Before the game on Friday, the Lakers confirmed that Ayton will not be playing.
The former Arizona standout is posting averages of 12.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 66.7% from the field over 54 games.
Underdog NBA reported: “Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Friday.”
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 03: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 03, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Ayton’s Time with the Lakers
GettyLos Angeles, CA – October 24: Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) dunks against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Ayton is in his inaugural season with the Lakers after previous tenures with the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers.
He was the top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft following a single college basketball season.
Jovan Buha remarked after Thursday’s loss: “Tough defeat for LA as they drop to 37-25, now 1.5 games behind DEN for the fifth seed. They’ve lost 12 of their past 13 games against teams with a .600 win percentage or higher. Luka recorded 27/11/7; LeBron had 16/5/8.”
GettyLos Angeles, CA – December 28: Lakers head coach JJ Redick during a timeout in a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers currently rank sixth in the Western Conference with a 37-25 record over 62 games.
They have a record of 5-5 over their last ten games and are 18-12 at home.
After facing the Pacers, the Lakers will host Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks on Sunday.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 20, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
Overview of the Indiana Pacers in 2025-26
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 05: Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle observed during their game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 05, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Pacers currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, sporting a 15-47 record over 62 games.
They are enduring a seven-game losing streak, with a road record of 5-25.
Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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