Deandre Ayton

Efficiency defined Deandre Ayton's performance during Thursday's victory over the Raptors, as the center converted 8-of-11 field-goal attempts to finish with 17 points. He anchored the paint on the defensive end with two blocks and controlled the glass with eight rebounds to help kick off the Lakers' road trip.

Fantasy Impact

Ayton continues to silence preseason doubts regarding his fit in Los Angeles by delivering steady production. He has now secured at least eight rebounds in four consecutive games and seven of his last eight outings. This consistency extends to his scoring and rim protection, as he is averaging 16.3 points and 1.4 blocks per game.

Deandre Ayton is available for Monday's game against the Suns.

Fantasy Impact

Ayton is good to go for both games of the back-to-back for the Lakers. He should remain in his usual role.

An injury scare in the fourth quarter put a damper on an otherwise dominant performance from Deandre Ayton in Sunday's win over the Pelicans. Before banging knees with Derik Queen and eventually leaving the contest, the center racked up 22 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks on near-perfect shooting (7-of-9 FG, 8-of-8 FT).

Fantasy Impact

This aggravation comes shortly after a right knee issue forced Ayton to miss a game earlier in the week. While the big man reportedly downplayed the severity of the collision after the final buzzer, the quick turnaround for Monday's matchup against the Suns complicates his status. If the team opts for caution on the second night of a back-to-back, Jaxson Hayes would likely step into the starting five.

Deandre Ayton flirted with a double-double for the Lakers Friday night, grabbing eight rebounds and chipping in 17 points (8-9 FG, 1-2 FT) while also dishing out two assists, recording one steal, and blocking two shots in a 129-119 win over the Mavericks.

Fantasy Impact

Ayton continues a steady stretch on both ends of the floor, finishing with eight or more rebounds and 17 or more points in each of his last five games. The center has offered fantasy managers a stable center option as part of an explosive Los Angeles starting five led by the trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves on a nightly basis, averaging 15.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game to go along with a usage rate of 19.2% so far this season.

After a one-game absence caused by a knee issue, Deandre Ayton is set to rejoin the Lakers' lineup for Friday's matchup against the Mavericks. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, the star center will not be subject to any playing time restrictions upon his return.

Fantasy Impact

Ayton gets back on the floor just in time for a showdown with Dallas. He has been a consistent force in the middle recently, averaging 16.0 points and 8.8 rebounds across his last nine appearances while contributing just under one block and one steal per contest.