Ayton had 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 127-113 win over the Cavaliers.

EDGE Analysis

It was Ayton's best scoring effort since March 12 as he moves past a back issue that sidelined him last Wednesday and limited him to 22 minutes in each of his prior two games. The 27-year-old center's production was inconsistent in March, even when healthy, as he averaged 11.1 points, 7.8 boards, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 assists in 25.5 minutes over 15 appearances, but he did shoot 73.3 percent from the floor.

Ayton (back) isn't listed on the injury report for Friday's game against Brooklyn.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton wasn't able to suit up Wednesday due to back soreness, but he's able to avoid the injury report for Friday's matchup. The big man is averaging 10.7 points and 7.8 rebounds over 12 March appearances.

Ayton (back) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton was a late addition to the Lakers' injury report Wednesday morning due to back soreness. The issue will prevent the veteran big man from suiting up, which will likely allow Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt to step into larger roles. Ayton's next chance to play will come Friday against Brooklyn.

Ayton (back) is questionable for Wednesday against Indiana.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton was a very late addition to the injury report, though his injury is being described as soreness, which sounds minor. Given the opponent, the Lakers may be contemplating a maintenance day here. If Ayton is held out, Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt would likely be more involved for the Lakers.

Ayton posted 13 points (5-6 FG, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds and one steal in 27 minutes during Monday's 113-110 loss to the Pistons.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton led the Lakers in rebounding and finished as the team's third-leading scorer behind Luka Doncic (32 points) and Austin Reaves (24 points). Tuesday marked Ayton's 21st double-double of the season and fourth in 17 games since the All-Star break. Over that 17-game span, he has averaged 10.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.7 blocks over 25.8 minutes per game.

Ayton closed Wednesday's 124-116 win over the Rockets with 16 points (8-10 FG), four rebounds, two assists and three blocks over 34 minutes.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton missed just two shots from the field in this win, and even though he had to deal with a tough matchup in Alperen Sengun, he got the job done on both ends of the court. This was the 13th time he scored in double digits while recording multiple blocks, and the second time he's done so this month. It was also a step in the right direction offensively for Ayton, who was coming off back-to-back single-digit scoring efforts in the wins over the Nuggets and Rockets on March 14 and March 16, respectively.

Ayton amassed seven points (3-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, one block and one steal over 27 minutes during Monday's 100-92 victory over the Rockets.

EDGE Analysis

Although his scoring was successfully contained, Ayton had a clear advantage on the glass due to Alperen Sengun (back) being out of commission. The result snapped a short double-double streak that Ayton was building, which was aided by a five-game average of 10.0 rebounds per game.

Ayton registered 23 points (10-13 FG, 3-6 FT), 10 rebounds and one assist in 37 minutes during Thursday's 142-130 victory over the Bulls.

EDGE Analysis

The double-double was Ayton's second straight, and his 20th of the season -- a mark he's reached in all eight of his NBA seasons. A sore knee has been costing Ayton court time since the All-Star break, and over his last 11 appearances, the 27-year-old center is averaging 10.2 points, 7.7 boards and 1.1 combined blocks and steals in 24.2 minutes.

Ayton ended with 14 points (7-11 FG, 0-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 120-106 win over the Timberwolves.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton has suffered through some poor totals recently, but he returned to form against one of the most imposing frontcourt duos in the league during the convincing win. With Jaxson Hayes (back) out of commission, Ayton logged 34 minutes and played great defense under the basket, limiting the duo of Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert to just 17 points.

Ayton (knee) isn't listed on the injury report for Sunday's game against New York.

EDGE Analysis

Ayton logged just four minutes in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play in Friday's win over the Pacers due to left knee soreness, though he's set to return Sunday. With the big man returning to the lineup, Jaxson Hayes should revert to a bench role, while Drew Timme is likely to see a significant dip in playing time and could fall out of the rotation entirely.