The Los Angeles Lakers injury report keeps getting longer, and the Thunder game could not have come at a worse time.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with a lot of injury trouble heading into the final stretch of the regular season. With seeding on the line and the playoffs just days away, the last thing they needed was more players sitting out.
Per reporter Ryan Ward via X, Jaxson Hayes has been downgraded to out for the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, dealing with left foot soreness.
Jaxson Hayes (left foot soreness) has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s game vs. Oklahoma City.
Ryan Ward
But Hayes is just one name on a very long list. LeBron James has been ruled out with left foot injury management, and Marcus Smart remains sidelined with a right ankle contusion, extending his absence to nearly three weeks. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are already out for the rest of the regular season.
That means Deandre Ayton is essentially the only starter suiting up for Los Angeles. The Lakers will have to rely on Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, and Luke Kennard to carry the load against the best team in the West.
Hayes may not be a star, but he is one of the better bigs the team has, shooting efficiently and giving Los Angeles a real lob threat in the paint. Coach JJ Redick has pointed out more than once how hard it is to replace that kind of vertical presence on the roster.
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