The Los Angeles Lakers have moved quickly to address a significant gap in their lineup after losing starting center Deandre Ayton to injury during their recent nail-biting victory.
Ayton Sidelined With Knee Contusion
Deandre Ayton suffered a right knee contusion during the Lakers' narrow 108-106 win against the Utah Jazz on Monday, November 24, 2025. The injury occurred during Philippine time, making it a late-night development for Filipino basketball fans following the NBA action.
The Lakers organization has officially confirmed that Ayton will be unavailable for their upcoming Wednesday, November 28 matchup against city rivals LA Clippers. This absence creates a substantial void in the Lakers' frontcourt that required immediate attention from the team's management.
Lakers Secure Replacement Big Man
In response to Ayton's injury, the Lakers front office has signed 6-foot-10 big man Drew Timme to a two-way contract. This strategic move provides the team with much-needed depth in the center position while Ayton recovers from his knee issue.
Timme, known for his skilled post play and basketball IQ, now joins the Lakers roster through the two-way contract system that allows players to split time between the NBA team and its G League affiliate. This flexibility could prove valuable as the Lakers navigate Ayton's recovery timeline.
Impact on Lakers' Immediate Future
The timing of Ayton's injury presents challenges for the Lakers as they prepare for their crucial November 28 game against the LA Clippers. Without their starting center, the team must adjust their defensive schemes and rebounding strategies against one of their toughest opponents.
While the two-way nature of Timme's contract suggests the Lakers view this as a temporary solution, it demonstrates the organization's proactive approach to roster management. The team's ability to secure capable depth immediately after the injury shows their preparedness for such scenarios during the grueling NBA season.
Filipino NBA enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how the Lakers adapt without Ayton and whether Drew Timme can provide meaningful minutes during this critical stretch of the season.
