Lakers List LeBron James as Available; Jaxson Hayes Remains Out vs. Jazz
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced Sunday that forward LeBron James has been cleared to play against the Utah Jazz, while center Jaxson Hayes will sit out with a left foot injury.
Both players were initially listed as questionable for the game in Salt Lake City. The team cited “left foot injury management” for James, 41, and a continuing left foot issue for Hayes, 25, who will miss his fourth consecutive contest.
Sunday’s meeting with the Jazz carries postseason implications for Los Angeles. A victory, combined with a San Antonio Spurs win over the Denver Nuggets—who plan to rest most of their regulars—would lift the Lakers into the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed.
James has powered a two-game surge heading into the regular-season finale. He recorded 28 points, six rebounds and 12 assists on 10-of-16 shooting in Friday’s win over the Phoenix Suns, following a 26-point, eight-rebound, 11-assist performance against the Golden State Warriors earlier in the week. The Lakers hope the veteran can secure Sunday’s result without logging heavy minutes against a rebuilding Utah roster.
Hayes had found a rhythm before the setback; his last appearance produced 23 points and four rebounds against the Dallas Mavericks. Coaches expect the upcoming week between Game 82 and the start of the playoffs to provide adequate recovery time.
Los Angeles remains short-handed, with guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves already sidelined. Preserving health, team officials noted, remains the primary objective entering the postseason.
After defeating Golden State on Thursday, James expressed disappointment that injuries prevented him and longtime rival Stephen Curry from facing each other in all four Lakers-Warriors matchups this season.
Source: Lakers Nation
