Jaxson Hayes’ Injury Looms Large as Lakers Face Off Against Grizzlies: Will He Be Ready?

Jaxson Hayes’ Injury Looms Large as Lakers Face Off Against Grizzlies: Will He Be Ready?

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies, one pressing question hovers over the team and its fans: Will Jaxson Hayes be ready?

The 23-year-old center-forward, known for his athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding, has quickly become a valuable asset to the Lakers’ bench rotation. His injury, therefore, leaves a significant gap in the team’s defensive lineup and poses a critical challenge as the Lakers prepare to contend with the Grizzlies, a Western Conference rival with explosive players like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.

The Impact of Hayes on the Lakers’ Defense and Rebounding

Jaxson Hayes, who joined the Lakers in the offseason after spending his first four NBA seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, was acquired primarily to bolster the team’s interior defense and rebounding depth.

Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3″ wingspan, Hayes possesses the size and agility to both contest shots at the rim and protect the paint. His presence on the court enables the Lakers to contest opposing big men effectively, often sparing Anthony Davis from playing heavy minutes at the five position—a strategic adjustment that keeps Davis fresher and less prone to injury.

Hayes has also provided a boost in rebounding, an area the Lakers had struggled with in the previous season. With him on the floor, they gain a significant advantage on the glass, particularly on the offensive end, where his quick jumps and knack for grabbing boards have proven crucial for generating second-chance opportunities. Hayes’ ability to both protect the rim and recover rebounds effectively makes him an invaluable piece of the Lakers’ rotation.

How Hayes’ Absence Affects the Lakers’ Game Plan.

With Jaxson Hayes sidelined due to his injury, the Lakers must adapt their game plan in significant ways. One option the Lakers may turn to is increasing minutes for Anthony Davis at the center position, but this comes with its own risks. Playing extended minutes at the five position has previously led to wear and tear on Davis, who has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career.

As the Lakers aim for a deep playoff run, they are cautious about pushing Davis too hard, too soon in the season.

Another option the Lakers have explored is deploying smaller lineups, shifting LeBron James or Rui Hachimura into roles where they might cover more of the frontcourt responsibilities.

However, this strategy makes it difficult for the team to compete effectively against traditional big men, especially when facing a physical team like the Grizzlies. Memphis, with players such as Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr., presents a formidable interior challenge that could exploit the Lakers’ lack of size and depth in Hayes’ absence.

Potential Alternatives and Lineup Adjustments.

With Hayes out, the Lakers may turn to other reserves like Christian Wood, who signed with the team this offseason and has shown flashes of defensive potential. Wood is capable of playing both forward and center, but his defensive consistency has historically been a concern.

However, if he can step up, Wood could help mitigate some of the issues Hayes’ absence presents. Other bench players like Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt, if healthy, might also need to play additional minutes, especially in cases where the Lakers aim to keep Davis fresh.

The Lakers could also focus on improving their perimeter defense to minimize the pressure on the interior. Limiting the dribble penetration of guards like Ja Morant, for instance, would reduce the need for a shot-blocking center at the rim.

This defensive adjustment requires the Lakers’ guards to stay disciplined and prevent easy drives to the paint, which can sometimes be a challenging task against elite scoring guards like Morant.

Will Hayes Be Ready?

The timetable for Hayes’ return is still unclear, and his availability for the Grizzlies game remains uncertain. While his injury has been reported as a minor issue, the Lakers are cautious with their players’ health, especially so early in the season.

If he’s not cleared to play, his absence could extend beyond the Grizzlies game, impacting future matchups against teams with dominant frontcourts. Hayes has shown potential as a pivotal role player in the Lakers’ lineup, and missing his presence in crucial matchups could have a ripple effect throughout the roster.

Ultimately, the Lakers are hopeful that Hayes will recover quickly and rejoin the lineup. His blend of athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding is integral to their rotation, and he provides depth that allows the team to be more flexible with their lineups. As the season progresses, the Lakers will look to keep their roster healthy and maintain the defensive strengths they’ve started to build with Hayes as a key piece.

In the meantime, Lakers fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on Hayes’ recovery status. His readiness could well be a deciding factor in their matchup against Memphis and an indicator of the team’s defensive potential this season.