Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided an injury update on the Lakers' starting center following the Memphis Grizzlies game. 

According to Redick, Deandre Ayton won't miss any time after exiting Friday's game with back spasms.

Redick noted that Ayton was available to return in the game, but the Lakers staff decided to be cautious with their big man, electing to ride with Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt, who filled in during Ayton's absence.

Redick's Update on Ayton

“He just had some middle back spasms. He was available in the fourth quarter when he came back out. He had a heat pack on, but I just felt that it wasn’t worth it given that group with Jaxson and Vando at the five, rotating between them in the second half, they were really good. Just didn’t want to risk it with Ayton,” Redick said.

Ayton noted he was dealing with tightness in his back at shootaround, but worked to get it loose by game time. He said he tweaked it on an alley-oop play in the first half.

Ayton ended up playing 17 minutes against the Grizzlies, finishing with nine points on 4-6 shooting. Hayes had two points and seven rebounds in his 23 minutes filling in for Ayton at the center position. 

The Lakers toppled the Grizzlies, 117-112, in their first game of NBA Cup group play. The Lakers were led by Luka Doncic, who finished with 44 points, his third game in as many tries of scoring over 40 points on the season. Austin Reaves had 21 points. 

Ayton expects to play Sunday against the Miami Heat.

Deandre Ayton's Impact On The Season

Ayton was signed by the Lakers in the offseason after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, slotting in as the starting center for the Purple and Gold. 

In six games, Ayton is averaging 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds while playing 31 minutes a night. 

Redick praised Ayton following their first win of the season over the Timberwolves, saying, "His patience for the game was really good. Luka got it going early, and DA’s screening helped. Defensively, he was really good as well."

The former number one overall pick finished with 15 points and eight rebounds against the Wolves. 

After taking on the Heat at home on Sunday, Ayton and the Lakers will travel to Portland to face Ayton's former team, the Trail Blazers.