The LA Lakers suffered a major setback in their preseason final on Friday against the Kings as Jaxson Hayes picked up an injury.
What happened to Jaxson Hayes?
As per Spectrum Sportsnet's Mike Trudell. Hayes suffered a wrist contusion and exited the game at halftime. With just four days left for opening night, LA will hope Hayes' injury is not serious.
Injury woes of LA Lakers
The side is already shorthanded as LeBron James is out with Sciatica. Meanwhile, rookie Adou Thiero's chances of playing on the opening night are also less. LA does not have more than two reliable options at the center spot, either. Hayes is Deandre Ayton's immediate backup, with two-way big Christian Koloko as the third-string option.
Hayes played for just eight minutes on Friday, tallying six points, four rebounds and one steal, shooting 3 of 4.
Big update on Jaxson Hayes
Lakers JJ Redick dropped an update after the game, saying the X-rays on Jaxson Hayes' wrist returned negative, but the team will share further updates on Sunday.
Redick also disclosed the exact moment Hayes picked up the injury. It was in the first quarter when Hayes caught an absurd lob from Luka Doncic for a one-handed jam.
Jaxson Hayes' strong performance in final two games of Lakers' preseason
Jaxson Hayes had a strong run in the preseason, especially in the last two games. In Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks, Hayes finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and four assists on 5 of 8 shots, starting in place of Deandre Ayton who was given rest.
He produced the goods without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, making it a countable performance. Doncic and Reaves have been primarily responsible for setting him up offensively, but Hayes was fine without it against the Mavericks. Doing it against former Laker Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II only made it more impressive.
The Lakers will hope Jaxson Hayes returns by opening night, as his performance off the bench could be crucial, especially against a smaller team like the Golden State Warriors.