Lakers’ Depth Takes a Hit as Jaxson Hayes Re-Sprains Ankle
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to their big men this season. Center Jaxson Hayes has re-sprained his right ankle and is expected to miss approximately two to three weeks, sources told ESPN. This news comes as a tough blow for a Lakers squad already dealing with depth issues in the frontcourt.
Hayes, who had already missed the Lakers’ past two games, underwent an MRI on Friday that confirmed the extent of the injury. The timing couldn’t be worse for the 23-year-old, who had just returned to action earlier this week after missing two weeks due to the same ankle injury. Unfortunately, his comeback was short-lived. Hayes reinjured the ankle during Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt in the final minute of the contest.
So far this season, Hayes has been a solid contributor off the bench for the Lakers, averaging 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. While those numbers may not jump off the page, his energy and athleticism have been key in providing relief for the Lakers’ starting big men. Now, the team will have to find a way to fill the void left by his absence.
Injury Woes Piling Up for the Lakers
Hayes isn’t the only big man the Lakers are missing right now. Backup center Christian Wood has yet to play this season as he continues to recover from offseason surgery on his left knee. Wood suffered a setback while ramping up his recovery, leaving the Lakers even thinner in the frontcourt.
With both Hayes and Wood sidelined, the Lakers are left scrambling to find reliable options to back up their starting bigs. This could mean more minutes for smaller lineups or increased reliance on players like Anthony Davis, who has already been logging heavy minutes this season. The team’s depth will undoubtedly be tested in the coming weeks.
What’s Next for the Lakers?
For Lakers fans, this latest injury news raises some serious questions about the team’s ability to stay competitive in a loaded Western Conference. While the Lakers have shown flashes of brilliance this season, their success hinges on their ability to stay healthy—a challenge that’s proving to be easier said than done.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the situation:
- Jaxson Hayes: Out 2-3 weeks with a re-sprained right ankle.
- Christian Wood: Yet to play this season due to a setback in his recovery from offseason knee surgery.
- Frontcourt Depth: Severely limited, forcing the Lakers to explore alternative lineup options.
With Hayes and Wood out, the Lakers may need to lean on unproven players or look to the free-agent market for temporary solutions. Either way, the next few weeks will be a critical test for the team as they navigate this challenging stretch of the season.
Fan Reactions and Outlook
Unsurprisingly, Lakers fans have taken to social media to voice their concerns about the team’s growing injury list. Many are calling for the front office to make a move to bolster the roster, while others are simply hoping the team can weather the storm until their injured players return.
For now, all eyes will be on the Lakers’ coaching staff to see how they adjust to these latest setbacks. Can they find a way to keep the team afloat, or will these injuries derail their momentum? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Lakers’ resilience is about to be put to the test.
Originally Written by: Dave McMenamin
