Hayes is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies with a left ankle sprain, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Hayes is in jeopardy of missing his first game of the season. The big man was listed on the injury report before Sunday's win over Toronto with left knee soreness, but it's a new injury that's threatening his status for Wednesday. If Hayes is unable to suit up against the Grizzlies, Christian Koloko would likely step into the backup role behind starting center Anthony Davis (foot/eye).
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Out at least one week
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Hayes will be re-evaluated in 1-to-2 weeks after suffering a left ankle sprain in Tuesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
After suffering the injury, Hayes underwent an MRI, which confirmed what is apparently a mild-to-moderate sprain. With Hayes expected to miss a handful of games, Christian Koloko will have an opportunity to step up as the top backup to starting center Anthony Davis.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Good to go Sunday
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Hayes (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Raptors.
Hayes carried a probable designation into Sunday's contest due to left knee soreness, but he will officially be available. In his last four games off the bench, Hayes has averaged 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 14.8 minutes per game.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Listed as probable for Sunday
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Hayes (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Raptors, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Hayes has been on the Lakers' injury report the past few days due to left knee soreness, but the issue isn't serious enough for him to be sidelined. He's averaging 5.7 points and 4.4 rebounds over 17 minutes to start the 2024-25 regular season.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Good to go
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Hayes (knee) is available for Friday's matchup with the 76ers.
No surprise here, as Hayes drew a probable designation prior to the game. Barring any setbacks, the big man should take on his usual role providing depth in Los Angeles' frontcourt.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Probable for Friday
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Hayes is probable for Friday's game against the 76ers due to left knee soreness, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
The probable tag suggests Hayes should play Friday, although his role is uncertain. If Anthony Davis (heel) ends up being available, then Hayes would return to his regular role off the bench. Hayes got the start in Wednesday's loss to the Grizzlies and posted eight points, 10 rebounds and an assist across 35 minutes.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Starting vs. Memphis
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Hayes is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Hayes will get the nod at center with Anthony Davis (ankle) sidelined. However, head coach JJ Redick stated prior to Wednesday's contest that he'll look to give Christian Koloko some minutes, so Hayes is not expected to absorb all of Davis' minutes. His fantasy upside should remain relatively low even in a starting role.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: NBA reopening investigation
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The NBA is reopening an investigation into a 2021 altercation involving Hayes and his former girlfriend, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports.
The NBA did not discipline Hayes following its initial investigation into Hayes' 2021 arrest, but new footage was released by TMZ on Saturday. "We're obviously aware that the investigation has been reopened, and we're going to cooperate fully," coach JJ Redick said after Saturday's practice.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Blocks two shots Friday
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Hayes supplied four points (1-1 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and two blocks over 15 minutes during Friday's 131-125 victory over the Raptors.
Hayes blocked a season-high two shots, although his playing time remains underwhelming. Anthony Davis has started the season on fire, limiting Hayes to just 15.7 minutes per night. While he can be a decent per-minute producer, he would likely need for Davis to miss time to have any shot at playing meaningful minutes.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Available to face Phoenix
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Hayes (foot) is available for Friday's game against the Suns, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Hayes was widely expected to be available, so this isn't surprising. The big man will continue to operate as Anthony Davis' primary backup at the center position.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Expected to play Friday
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Hayes is listed as probable for Friday's game versus the Suns due to left foot soreness.
Despite being a late addition to the injury report, Hayes is still expected to suit up Friday. The 24-year-old big man logged 15 minutes in the Lakers' regular-season opener and should continue to serve as the team's backup center, as Christian Wood (knee) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) remain sidelined.
Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Starting in preseason finale
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Hayes is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Warriors, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
The Lakers are resting their projected Opening Night starters and several key reserves, so Hayes will try to impress the coaching staff to secure a roster spot as a frontcourt option.
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Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Starting versus Timberwolves
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Hayes will start at center in the Lakers' preseason opening matchup against the Timberwolves, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.
With LeBron James (rest) and Anthony Davis (rest) sidelined for the exhibition opener, Hayes will start alongside Rui Hachimura. The big man is looking to earn a role providing depth in Los Angeles' frontcourt this season.
Hayes informed the Lakers on Friday that he will exercise his $2.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Hayes likely would have been on track for a one-year contract at a similar salary level in free agency had he declined the option, so he'll stick around in Los Angeles with the hope that he can solidify himself as the top backup center under first-year head coach JJ Redick. Previous coach Darvin Ham deployed Hayes as Anthony Davis' primary backup in 2023-24, though the Lakers were without Hayes' main competitors for the position -- Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood -- for much of the season due to injury. Vanderbilt and Wood are both healthy again and are under contract for the upcoming season, so Hayes could struggle to reach the 70 appearances and 12.5 minutes per contest he averaged in 2023-24.
