The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a Saturday night showdown against the Portland Trail Blazers, looking to bounce back after a tough loss and regain some momentum. But heading into the matchup, the big question isn’t just about how they’ll perform - it’s about who will be available to suit up in the frontcourt.
Both Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are listed as questionable for the game, and their status could have a real impact on how the Lakers approach this one. Ayton is dealing with soreness in his left knee, while Hayes is managing a nagging left hamstring issue. Neither injury is new, but with the Lakers already battling depth issues, especially in the backcourt, these absences could be felt even more.
Ayton, in his first season wearing purple and gold, has been a steady presence inside. He last played in Thursday’s 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, logging 32 minutes and putting up a solid line: 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting, six rebounds, and a little bit of everything else - an assist, a steal, and a block.
He’s been efficient all year, shooting a career-high 68% from the field while averaging 13.9 points, 8.7 boards, and a block per game. He’s not just plugging a hole; he’s giving the Lakers reliable production in the paint.
Hayes, meanwhile, has been a key rotational piece, stepping in off the bench and occasionally into the starting lineup when needed. He last saw action in Monday’s loss to the Kings, where he chipped in 12 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes, shooting 5-of-6 from the floor.
On the season, he’s averaging 6.3 points and four rebounds in just under 18 minutes per game - and he’s doing it with remarkable efficiency, hitting a career-best 76.6% of his shots. While he’s not the focal point of the offense, Hayes brings energy, athleticism, and a vertical threat that complements the Lakers’ style.
But the frontcourt isn’t the only area where the Lakers are feeling the pinch. Luka Doncic has already been ruled out with left groin soreness, and Austin Reaves remains sidelined with a left calf strain - the same injury he suffered during the team’s Christmas Day loss to the Rockets. That leaves L.A. short on playmakers and perimeter depth, putting even more pressure on the frontcourt to carry some of the load.
Saturday’s game against Portland is more than just another regular-season contest - it’s the start of a crucial stretch. After facing the Trail Blazers on the road, the Lakers will head back to L.A. for a quick turnaround against the Raptors on Sunday, before embarking on a grueling eight-game road trip that starts Tuesday in Denver. That’s a lot of basketball in a short window, and how the Lakers manage minutes - and injuries - could shape the trajectory of their next few weeks.
Ayton and Hayes may not be the marquee names on this roster, but their availability could swing the balance as the Lakers try to stay afloat amid a wave of injuries. With a packed schedule ahead and the margin for error shrinking, every rotation piece matters - especially in the paint.