The Los Angeles Lakers will have center Jaxson Hayes back in uniform for their early-season rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the club announced. Hayes had missed time with left patellar tendinopathy but has been upgraded to available.
Marcus Smart, meanwhile, has been downgraded to out because of a lingering right quad contusion. Head coach JJ Redick had expressed optimism that both players might be ready, yet only Hayes received medical clearance.
Front-court depth restored
Hayes’ return should ease the Lakers’ dependence on small-ball lineups whenever starter Deandre Ayton rests. The 7-foot reserve provides energy at the rim and finishing ability the team lacked in his absence.
Backcourt remains thin
Without Smart, the Lakers will again lean heavily on Austin Reaves as their primary ball-handler and scorer. Reaves followed a 51-point performance versus the Sacramento Kings with 41 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he also committed eight turnovers in Portland as defenders focused on him.
The Timberwolves can counter with elite wing stopper Jaden McDaniels, putting additional pressure on Reaves while the Lakers remain without Luka Doncic (left finger sprain, left leg contusion), LeBron James (right sciatica) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain).
Additional injury notes
Rookie Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) and forward Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain) are still sidelined but are nearing reevaluation dates. With the roster thinned, Redick is expected to turn again to Jake LaRavia, Bronny James and Nick Smith Jr. for supplemental playmaking.
The organization continues to target mid-November for LeBron James’ season debut, a timeline that remains unchanged as October winds down.
Source: Lakers Nation
