Lakers Center Jaxson Hayes Ruled Out for Tuesday Matchup With Thunder
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that center Jaxson Hayes will miss Tuesday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder because of soreness in his left foot.
Hayes, who was not listed on the initial injury report, went through a pregame workout at Crypto.com Arena before the team decided to sideline him. The club has not indicated whether the issue is expected to linger.
His absence adds to a growing list of unavailable Lakers. Starters LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart have already been ruled out, leaving Los Angeles without its four primary playmakers and one of its key bench contributors.
With Hayes out, head coach JJ Redick has limited front-court options behind starting center Deandre Ayton. Maxi Kleber is expected to receive backup minutes, while Drew Timme and Jarred Vanderbilt could also be called upon.
Hayes, 26, is enjoying a career-best campaign. In 66 appearances (nine starts) he is averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds while converting 75.6 percent of his field-goal attempts across 18.3 minutes per game.
Redick recently praised the fifth-year center’s progress. “Jaxson’s had a really good season,” the coach said after a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. “He’s a better basketball player. He’s making touch shots around the rim, great pocket decisions, and he consistently injects energy into the group when he runs the floor, blocks a shot or gets those dunks.”
Los Angeles was routed by 43 points in Oklahoma City last week with a full roster, and now has just four regular-season games remaining to regain health before the postseason.
Source: LakersNation.com
