The Los Angeles Lakers survived a gritty, last-second battle to beat the Utah Jazz 108-106 on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City — but the win came at a cost. Center Deandre Ayton, 27, exited the game in the fourth quarter with a knee contusion, a blow that could sideline him for up to a week, according to Jacob Rude of Silver Screen and Roll. The injury, which occurred after a hard fall near the baseline, is the first significant setback for the Lakers since they emerged from their early-season injury crisis — a period when as many as seven players were out at once. Now, with the roster nearly whole, the team’s medical staff must quickly assess whether Ayton’s knee will hold up for the next game.
From Chaos to Clarity: The Lakers’ Health Turnaround
Just six weeks ago, the Lakers were a shell of themselves. On October 27, 2025, they faced the Portland Trail Blazers with a rotation so thin that they started two G League call-ups. At the time, LeBron James, 40, was still recovering from a lingering hamstring strain, and guards like Vincent were sidelined with ankle sprains. The team’s record hovered around .500, and playoff hopes looked distant.
But things changed fast. By November 21, 2025, James and Thiero — both previously with the South Bay Lakers — made their season debuts in the G League, combining for 34 points and 11 assists in a 115-95 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors. Their performance wasn’t just about stats; it was a sign the Lakers’ depth was finally catching up to their ambition. "With the Lakers being healthy," noted Fadeaway World on November 24, "James and Thiero are going to find playing time hard to come by. It seems likely they’ll keep playing for South Bay as long as the injury bug stays away."
Utah’s Injury Nightmare: A Team Fighting Shadows
While the Lakers were healing, the Jazz were crumbling under the weight of injuries. Five players were officially ruled out for the November 23 game: Walker Kessler, 25, out for the season with a left shoulder injury; Georges Niang, 31, sidelined by a left foot stress reaction; and three G League two-way players — Elijah Harkless, John Tonje, and Oscar Tshiebwe. Even Kessler’s absence wasn’t the worst of it — the Jazz had lost their defensive anchor and rim protector, the kind of player who changes the entire flow of a game.
Head coach Will Hardy, 36, was forced to start 22-year-old Keyonte George as the primary ball-handler, while rotating undersized forwards who had never played together. "It’s like trying to build a house with half the bricks," one anonymous assistant coach told Deseret News after the game. "We’re not just missing talent. We’re missing chemistry."
Luka’s Masterclass and the Lakers’ Balanced Attack
Despite the Jazz’s desperation, the Lakers never panicked. Luka Dončić, 26, turned in a near-triple-double: 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals — all while playing 39 minutes. His step-back three with 2:14 left gave the Lakers their first double-digit lead of the second half. But it wasn’t just Luka. Austin Reaves, 26, chipped in 22 points and 10 rebounds, including a critical put-back with 18 seconds left that sealed the win.
The Jazz, led by George’s 27 points and 8 assists, fought valiantly. They outrebounded the Lakers 47-41 and forced 15 turnovers. But they missed 14 of 21 three-pointers and went 12-for-20 from the free-throw line. "We had the looks," George said afterward. "We just didn’t make them. That’s on us."
What Comes Next: Ayton’s Timeline and the Jazz’s Survival Mode
The Lakers’ medical team, led by head physician Dr. Nathan Taylor, 52, will evaluate Ayton’s knee with an MRI on Monday. Knee contusions typically require 3 to 7 days of rest, but if swelling persists, the timeline could stretch. Ayton’s absence would be especially costly — he’s averaging 15.8 points and 9.2 rebounds since being traded from Phoenix, and his rim protection has been a revelation next to LeBron.
For the Jazz, the road ahead looks grueling. With Kessler out for the season and Niang’s foot injury showing no signs of improvement, they’re now 5-11 and 10.5 games behind the Western Conference playoff cutoff. Their next five games are against teams with winning records. "We’re not giving up," Hardy said. "But we’re not pretending we’re healthy either. We’re adapting."
The Bigger Picture: Health as a Competitive Advantage
This game wasn’t just about two teams playing basketball. It was a stark illustration of how injuries can reshape a season. The Lakers, who began the year with a roster in shambles, are now one of the healthiest teams in the West. The Jazz, once considered a young, ascending squad, are now a cautionary tale.
"The difference between playoff contention and lottery luck?" said former NBA executive and analyst Mark Thompson. "It’s not always draft picks or trades. Sometimes, it’s just who stays on the floor."
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Deandre Ayton’s knee contusion, and how long might he be out?
Knee contusions in NBA players typically require 3 to 7 days of rest, depending on swelling and mobility. Ayton was seen walking with a slight limp after the game, but no MRI results are public yet. If inflammation persists, he could miss up to 10 days. The Lakers are treating this as precautionary, especially with a back-to-back coming up against the Warriors and Kings.
Why is Walker Kessler’s absence so damaging for the Jazz?
Kessler, 25, was averaging 10.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game before his season-ending shoulder injury. He was the Jazz’s only true rim protector and a defensive anchor. Without him, opponents are shooting 4.7% more efficiently at the rim, per NBA Advanced Stats. His absence has forced younger players into roles they’re not ready for, contributing to Utah’s league-worst defensive rating.
What does this mean for Luka Dončić’s MVP candidacy?
Luka’s performance against the Jazz — 33 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists — marks his sixth 30-point, 10-rebound game this season. He’s now averaging 29.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, leading the league in triple-doubles. With the Lakers at 12-4, his leadership and consistency are making him a top MVP contender. If he stays healthy, he could become the first player since LeBron James in 2018 to average a 30-9-8 stat line.
Could the Jazz make a trade before the deadline?
Yes — and they likely will. With Kessler and Niang both out long-term, the Jazz have little to lose. They could package young players like George or Filipowski for future picks or salary relief. The team’s front office is reportedly in talks with teams like Sacramento and Atlanta, seeking assets for the rebuild. Their priority isn’t winning now — it’s securing draft capital for next season.
Why did James and Thiero play in the G League before joining the Lakers?
James and Thiero were rehabbing from minor injuries and needed game reps after months on the sidelines. The South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, provided structured minutes and competitive play without risking further injury. Their strong performances — combined with the main roster’s return to health — made them ideal candidates to stay in the G League for development, rather than risk rotation logjams.
How does this game reflect the broader trend in the NBA this season?
This matchup highlights how roster health has become the single biggest differentiator in the NBA. Teams with five or more players out — like the Jazz — are winning just 28% of their games this season, while teams with fewer than two injuries are winning 73%. The league’s schedule, with back-to-backs and travel demands, is making injury management more critical than ever. The Lakers’ turnaround proves that staying healthy is as valuable as drafting well.
