Lakers list Vincent out, Hayes doubtful for Sunday matchup with Kings
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The Los Angeles Lakers will be without guard Gabe Vincent when they face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, the team announced in its latest injury report. Vincent is sidelined by a lumbar back strain and has missed the last four contests.
Center Jaxson Hayes (left ankle soreness) is listed as doubtful, while rookie forward Drew Timme (concussion protocol) is questionable. Guard Austin Reaves (left calf strain) has already been ruled out and is expected to remain off the court for at least four weeks.
With Reaves unavailable, the Lakers will lean more heavily on Luka Doncic and LeBron James to initiate the offense. Vincent would normally be next in line for ball-handling duties, but his lingering back issue keeps him out for a fifth straight game.
Hayes exited the recent loss to the Phoenix Suns with ankle soreness and did not play on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets. If he cannot return, Maxi Kleber is expected to continue backing up starting center Deandre Ayton, though head coach JJ Redick may opt for smaller lineups at times.
The Lakers enter Sunday having dropped three consecutive games by wide margins and are seeking a collective effort to regain momentum.
Doncic offers support to Reaves
Doncic, who dealt with a calf strain last season before being traded to Los Angeles, said he has reached out to Reaves.
“Yeah, I talked to him,” Doncic said. “He just said he didn’t know the severity; he’ll have an MRI, I think, tomorrow. I told him if he needs anything, I know how it is to go through a calf injury. It’s not fun at all. Just be there to support him. Take your time—calves are dangerous.”
Reaves will be re-evaluated in four weeks before the team determines the next steps.
Source: LakersNation.com
