The Los Angeles Lakers will be without center Jaxson Hayes when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, head coach JJ Redick confirmed. Hayes has been sidelined with soreness in his left knee.
The 24-year-old was not listed on Thursday’s injury report but was downgraded to questionable Friday morning before being ruled out later in the day. His absence further thins a frontcourt that is already missing LeBron James and reserve big man Maxi Kleber, who remains out with an abdominal injury.
With Hayes unavailable, starting center Deandre Ayton is expected to log extended minutes against Minnesota’s sizeable lineup featuring Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels. Two-way center Christian Koloko is projected to fill the backup role, and the Lakers may deploy smaller lineups when possible.
The club will monitor Hayes’ status ahead of Sunday night’s home game against the Sacramento Kings.
Hayes details decision to re-sign with Los Angeles
Despite being benched in Game 5 of last season’s first-round series versus Minnesota, Hayes re-signed with the Lakers during the offseason. Speaking at Media Day, he said a postseason meeting with Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka made returning a priority.
“People forget what led up to the playoffs—we had a great run before that,” Hayes said. “JJ and Rob told me they wanted me back. I’m excited to be here and get to work.” He added that continuing to play alongside Luka Doncic was another factor in his decision.
Source: LakersNation.com
