The Los Angeles Lakers may regain two rotation players when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Head coach JJ Redick said after Monday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers that he is “hopeful” center Jaxson Hayes and guard Marcus Smart will be available.
“Hopeful, hopeful on Jaxson, hopeful on Marcus. Hopeful, but we’ll see,” Redick told reporters.
Los Angeles opened the 2025-26 season shorthanded and has seen its injury list grow to eight names through four games. LeBron James, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero were already ruled out before opening night. Since then, Luka Doncic (finger and knee) has been sidelined for at least one week, and Gabe Vincent (knee) is expected to miss two to four weeks.
The absence of Hayes and Smart forced Redick to use an eight-man rotation in Portland, with Bronny James, Nick Smith Jr. and Dalton Knecht serving as the only bench options. Austin Reaves scored 41 points, but the Lakers still fell to 2-2.
If Hayes cannot play, Rui Hachimura would again log extended minutes against Minnesota’s front line that features Rudy Gobert. Smart’s potential return would bolster the perimeter defense against Timberwolves guards Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo. Minnesota will be without injured star Anthony Edwards.
The Lakers will announce the official status of Hayes and Smart closer to tip-off. Regardless of their availability, Los Angeles will need another strong performance from Reaves while awaiting Doncic’s expected return in roughly one week.
Source: Lakers Nation
