The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Indiana Pacers without LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, and Maxi Kleber.
James and Ayton Ruled Out
LeBron James did not play after sustaining a left elbow contusion in the Lakers’ previous game against the Denver Nuggets. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter after contact with Nikola Jokic. James was also listed with left foot arthritis.
Deandre Ayton was sidelined due to left knee soreness. He exited the game against the Denver Nuggets after playing for four and a half minutes and did not return.
Kleber’s Absence Continues
Maxi Kleber missed his third consecutive game with a lumbar back strain.
Hayes Steps Up
Without Kleber and Ayton, Lakers backup centre Jaxson Hayes scored 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting against the Nuggets. Hayes also had five rebounds.
The Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets by 120-113.