LOS ANGELES — Head coach JJ Redick said Thursday that an MRI confirmed hamstring tendinopathy for backup center Jaxson Hayes, but the Los Angeles Lakers are optimistic the 25-year-old could rejoin the lineup before the weekend ends.
Hayes was scratched from the matchup against the Charlotte Hornets after feeling tightness earlier in the week. Speaking prior to tip-off at Crypto.com Arena, Redick characterized the issue as “hopefully a short-term thing” and indicated the medical staff will evaluate the big man daily with the goal of clearing him for one of the team’s upcoming games.
The former lottery pick had told reporters he believed he might be available for the Hornets contest, yet the club elected to keep him out as a precaution. Hamstring injuries are notoriously susceptible to setbacks, and the Lakers have dealt with an array of health concerns throughout the season.
Guards Gabe Vincent (back) and Rui Hachimura (calf) recently returned to action, while Austin Reaves remains sidelined by his own calf strain and is not expected back for several more weeks. Hayes’ absence further tests a rotation already juggling minutes and roles.
Since signing in the offseason, Hayes has anchored the second unit behind starting center Deandre Ayton, thriving as a pick-and-roll finisher alongside star playmakers. His connection with Luka Doncic has produced a steady diet of lob dunks, and he has supplied spurts of rim protection the Lakers lacked last year.
Los Angeles sits comfortably in the Western Conference playoff picture, but a prolonged dip could push the club toward the Play-In Tournament. With the trade deadline approaching, front-office executives have explored adding depth at center and on the wing, though the preference is to have Hayes healthy rather than rush into a move.
The Lakers’ next opportunity to see Hayes on the floor comes during their two-game weekend slate. His status will be updated on the team’s daily injury report.
Source: LakersNation.com
