Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Lakers’ already thin roster has taken another hit with backup center Jaxson Hayes sidelined due to an ankle injury. Hayes, a key support in both the Lakers’ offense and defense, will be re-evaluated in 1-2 weeks after injuring his ankle during Tuesday’s practice. His absence creates a significant gap in the lineup and could impact the Lakers’ journey this season.
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Details on Hayes’ Unexpected Injury
Hayes’ injury occurred under unusual circumstances—not in a game but during a practice drill with coaches. According to head coach JJ Redick, it was an “odd play” with no physical contact. “He didn’t even land on his ankle,” Redick shared before the Grizzlies game. “It was just an awkward fall that twisted his ankle. I feel really bad for Jaxson.”
Hayes arrived at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday wearing a walking boot, which indicated the severity of the injury. However, he told ESPN that the pain was beginning to subside and he hoped to return sooner than the initial timeframe suggested. This shows his fighting spirit and determination to get back on the court to support the team.
Impact of the Injury on the Lakers
Hayes’ absence comes at a particularly challenging time for the Lakers. The Lakers’ roster has been dealing with several injury issues among their reserves, and Christian Wood, another center, is also out for at least a month due to ongoing recovery from knee surgery last season. This leaves the Lakers with only one backup center besides Anthony Davis: Christian Koloko, a two-way player who was recently cleared to return after sitting out due to blood clot issues.
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With the shortage of key centers, the Lakers may need to adjust their strategy and gameplay, especially with important NBA Cup games on the horizon. Koloko is expected to carry a bigger load, and Coach Redick has expressed confidence in him, saying, “We’ll rely on Koloko to fill the gap left by Jaxson and Wood, and I feel very confident with him on the court.”
Hayes’ Significant Role and Recent Strong Performances
Before his injury, Jaxson Hayes had delivered impressive performances, especially in the game against the Toronto Raptors where he scored 12 points, grabbed six rebounds, and had one block, helping the Lakers achieve a decisive win. Hayes’ impact goes beyond scoring, as his defensive effectiveness helped the Lakers maintain control of the game. The Lakers even outscored the Raptors by 21 points during Hayes’ 21 minutes on the court, highlighting his influence on the team.
Future Plans for the Lakers Amid Roster Challenges
Given the current roster shortage, the Lakers may need to adjust their tactics to adapt to the situation. It’s likely that Christian Koloko will step in to cover Hayes’ role in some upcoming games. Additionally, the team may experiment with some small-ball lineups, relying more on perimeter players to enhance scoring.
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However, relying on just a few players in a long season is not a sustainable solution. The Lakers will need to maintain stability and avoid further injuries to remain competitive in the title race. Key players, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, will have to step up and lead the team through upcoming challenges.
Upcoming Games and Fans’ Hopes
Both the Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies will have NBA Cup games on Friday night. The Lakers will play the San Antonio Spurs away—a crucial game as they aim to continue their winning streak and build confidence. Lakers fans hope that Hayes and Wood can return soon to support the team, while the entire lineup will need to demonstrate teamwork and resilience to overcome their current challenges.
With mounting challenges early in the season, the Lakers are facing a true test in maintaining their lineup and securing key victories. Hayes’ absence will certainly be a significant loss, but with the team’s fighting spirit and determination, Lakers fans can look forward to a season filled with grit and effort.
