Deandre Ayton upgraded on injury report for NBA Cup clash vs. Mavericks

The Los Angeles Lakers clinched a spot on in the NBA Cup quarterfinals following their win against the LA Clippers on Tuesday, and they have one more cup game remaining against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. The Lakers were without Deandre Ayton in the win against the Clippers due to a knee injury, but he is on track to make his return as the Mavericks come to town.

Deandre Ayton was upgraded on the Lakers’ injury report to probable as they get set for their final NBA Cup matchup against the Mavericks. Aside from Ayton returning to the lineup, the game is sure to evoke old emotions due to the controversial Luka Doncic trade from last season. Anthony Davis whom the Lakers sent to Dallas in that deal, is also on track to return in what would be his first game back at Crypto.com Arena as an opponent.

Ayton’s presence would give the Lakers a strong counter to Davis in the frontcourt. Ayton was signed as a free agent in the offseason following a contract buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers. After last season’s disappointing playoff exit, it was painfully obvious that the Lakers needed an upgrade at the starting center position.

When Ayton hit the free agent market, the Lakers had their man. He’s appeared in 15 games so far at a little over 29 minutes per game. He’s been averaging 15.5 points and 8.4 rebounds with splits of 69.6 percent shooting from the field and 56.5 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

In addition to Ayton, veteran guard Marcus Smart popped up on the injury report as questionable due to back spasms. Smart was another under-the-radar offseason addition who made his mark on the team, especially on the defensive end.

The Lakers have started off the season at 13-4 and are currently the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference standings.

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