INDIANAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their road trip against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday with a notably expanded injury report.
Starting center Deandre Ayton was sidelined for the important game due to persistent back soreness. His absence added to a growing list of unavailable players, which included Rui Hachimura, nursing right calf soreness; Marcus Smart, dealing with a right ankle contusion; and Adou Thiero, experiencing left knee soreness.
Both Hachimura and Smart had also missed the Lakers’ previous game, a loss to the Pistons on Monday. Adou Thiero, despite playing just two minutes against the Pistons, was also held out.
Coach JJ Redick clarified Thiero’s situation, stating, “He played in a game with South Bay [the G-League affiliate], then traveled the next day from LA to Detroit and then played with us. And he didn’t feel good the next day. And we’re just being cautious,” highlighting the team’s careful approach to player health.
