Lakers' Deandre Ayton (knee) leaves game against Nuggets

Field Level Media|published: 03/06/2026, 12:07am EST

Feb 26, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lakers center Deandre Ayton exited Los Angeles' Thursday road game against the Denver Nuggets due to a knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the night.

Ayton left with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter after committing a foul on Julian Strawther. He missed his only shot attempt and grabbed two rebounds in just 4:30.

The 27-year-old Bahamas native, in his first season with the Lakers, began the night averaging 12.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in 53 games (all starts).

--Field Level Media