The Los Angeles Lakers are set to resume their regular season schedule on Sunday, taking on the Utah Jazz after enjoying a rare four-day hiatus. Currently holding an impressive record of 11-4, the Lakers are keen to maintain momentum following their recent 140-126 victory over the Jazz. This matchup marked a significant moment for the team as they welcomed back star forward LeBron James from a sciatica injury and guard Gabe Vincent, who had been sidelined with a sprained ankle.
One of the standout performers for the Lakers in recent games has been center Deandre Ayton, who has put together a remarkable stretch of performances. In the previous game against the Jazz, Ayton delivered a strong showing, scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. This was his third consecutive game with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, contributing widely to the team’s success. Notably, Ayton’s shooting has been exceptional; he has made 29 of 37 attempts from the field over this three-game stretch, showcasing his ability in the paint.
However, there was concern about Ayton’s availability for Sunday’s game due to an illness that caused him to miss Saturday’s practice. Fortunately, according to reports from Dave McMenamin, Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed that Ayton is fit to play, alleviating concerns among fans and teammates alike.
Throughout the season, Ayton has averaged impressive statistics, including 16.5 points per game with a remarkable shooting percentage of 69.9%. Additionally, he contributes 8.8 rebounds and nearly one block per game, playing a crucial role in bolstering the Lakers’ offense, particularly through pick-and-roll plays and successful lob passes.
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After battling the Jazz, the Lakers will return to Los Angeles for a series of four consecutive home games. This includes key matchups in the Emirates NBA Cup group play, with the first challenge against the LA Clippers and then the Dallas Mavericks later in the week. As coach Redick and the team look to build on their current success, players like Ayton will be pivotal in their quest for wins in the coming days.
