The Los Angeles Lakers are back in action Thursday night, hosting the Charlotte Hornets and aiming to build a bit of momentum after a recent win. But as tip-off approaches, the status of backup big man Jaxson Hayes remains up in the air - and that could have a real impact on how the Lakers manage their frontcourt rotation.
Hayes is officially listed as questionable due to left hamstring soreness, an issue that first flared up earlier this week. During Monday’s matchup against the Kings, Hayes experienced tightness in the hamstring and wasn’t able to return to the floor. He was ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Hawks, and head coach JJ Redick confirmed that the soreness was enough to keep him sidelined.
The Lakers have been cautious with the 6-foot-11 center, and rightly so. Hamstring issues can linger if not managed properly - especially for a player whose game is built on energy, verticality, and quick-twitch athleticism.
Hayes was scheduled to undergo an MRI earlier this week, but no update on the results has been made public. The fact that he hasn’t been ruled out entirely for Thursday’s game leaves the door open for a possible return, depending on how he responds in pregame warmups.
Without Hayes on Tuesday, the Lakers leaned into small-ball looks during the minutes Deandre Ayton wasn’t on the floor. It’s a strategy that can work in stretches, but it’s not ideal as a long-term solution - especially against teams with size in the paint. Hayes’ presence gives L.A. a reliable rim-runner and shot blocker off the bench, someone who brings consistent hustle and length when Ayton needs a breather.
Since re-signing with the Lakers this past offseason, Hayes has carved out a solid role. He’s appeared in 32 games, starting four of them, and is averaging just over 17 minutes per night.
His stats - 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game - don’t jump off the page, but his efficiency does. Hayes is shooting a scorching 76.6% from the field, and while the 65.5% from three-point range might look eye-popping, it’s worth noting he’s only taken one shot from beyond the arc - and made it.
Still, his value isn’t in stretching the floor. It’s in the way he runs the court, contests shots, and provides a vertical threat in the pick-and-roll - all things the Lakers bench unit can use more of.
As for the rest of the Lakers’ injury report heading into Thursday night, it’s a mixed bag. Austin Reaves remains out with a left calf strain, and Adou Thiero is sidelined with a right MCL sprain.
Moussa Diabate is questionable due to right hip soreness, while Liam McNeeley and Antonio Reeves are both unavailable due to G League assignments. Mason Plumlee is still recovering from right groin surgery, and Collin Sexton joins Hayes on the questionable list with his own hamstring issue.
KJ Simpson, also on a two-way deal, is out as well.
So, will Jaxson Hayes suit up against the Hornets? That decision likely won’t be made until shortly before game time. But his availability - or lack thereof - could shape how the Lakers manage their frontcourt minutes, especially if they want to keep building some consistency in the rotation.