Deandre Ayton among Lakers’ three rotation players sidelined vs. Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS — The Lakers’ injury report grew for Wednesday’s road-trip ending matchup against the Pacers. 

Starting center Deandre Ayton wasn’t available against the Pacers because of back soreness, joining Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) and Adou Thiero (left knee soreness) as Lakers who didn’t play.

Deandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Getty Images

Hachimura and Smart also sat out of Monday’s loss to the Pistons. 

Thiero played two minutes against the Pistons.

“He played in a game with South Bay, then traveled the next day from LA to Detroit and then played with us,” coach JJ Redick said. “And he didn’t feel good the next day. And we’re just being cautious.”