Lakers center Jaxson Hayes day-to-day after wrist contusion; X-rays negative
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Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes left Tuesday’s 108-102 preseason loss to the Sacramento Kings with a right wrist contusion, the team announced.
The injury occurred late in the first half at Crypto.com Arena when Hayes was fouled on an alley-oop dunk attempt. He played eight minutes before being ruled out for the remainder of the game, finishing with eight points, four rebounds and one steal.
Head coach JJ Redick told reporters after the game that postgame X-rays were negative. Additional evaluations are expected “in the coming days,” according to Redick.
Hayes, 25, had provided an early spark with his size and athleticism, including a highlight-reel lob from Luka Doncic that energized the crowd. His absence forced Los Angeles to downsize, and the Kings capitalized with a late surge to close out the win.
With Opening Night against the Golden State Warriors set for Tuesday, Hayes’ availability remains uncertain. If he is sidelined, Deandre Ayton is likely to shoulder an increased workload, while veteran big man Maxi Kleber — who struggled defensively versus Sacramento — would move up in the rotation.
Off the court, Hayes is pursuing a Slovenian passport in hopes of joining Doncic on the Slovenian national team next summer, the center confirmed earlier this month.
Source: LakersNation.com
