The Los Angeles Lakers struggled in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, especially offensively. They shot just 41.9% from the field and found themselves trailing 60-50 at halftime as Boston dictated the pace and physicality of the contest.
This is the type of game where Los Angeles needs its frontcourt players to set the tone. Unfortunately, it will have to continue to go to war against its ancient rivals without one of its main big men. Jaxson Hayes, its backup center, left the game due to a right ankle ailment, and he has reportedly been ruled out for the rest of the game.
Hayes played five minutes in the first half and recorded two points and one rebound. The Lakers will need more from Deandre Ayton, who grabbed five rebounds but scored just four points, and they could rely on Maxi Kleber to play some minutes at the 5.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Jaxson Hayes won’t return to Sunday’s game versus Celtics