The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to stay healthy as a group with multiple starters and role players shuffling in and out of the lineup due to injuries.<\/p>\n
The Lakers recently saw both Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura return from back and calf injuries, respectively, while Austin Reaves remains out with his own calf injury that is expected to sideline him for at least a few more weeks. While Los Angeles has managed to stay afloat despite the constant interruptions to the rotation, they were dealt another challenge with Jaxson Hayes being sidelined due to a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n
Hayes received an MRI earlier this week, but the big man didn\u2019t seem too concerned and hoped he would be back sooner<\/a> rather than later. Hayes even speculated he could possibly be available for the game against the Charlotte Hornets, though he was ultimately ruled out.<\/p>\n Prior to the game against Charlotte, head coach JJ Redick announced Hayes is dealing with hamstring tendinopathy though is hoping he can return to the lineup at some point this weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has hamstring tendinopathy\u2026 It\u2019s hopefully a short-term thing and hopefully he\u2019ll be back at some point this weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n Hamstring injuries aren\u2019t worth rushing back from as they can easily be re-aggravated and force a player to miss even more time. While Hayes could likely push through it if required, the Lakers would be wise to continue exercising caution when it comes to the backup center.<\/p>\n Hayes has excelled backing up Deandre Ayton, continuing his role as the team\u2019s best pick and roll lob threat next to the three stars. Hayes has excellent chemistry with Luka Doncic, though he\u2019s also been a capable defender in spurts.<\/p>\n Los Angeles remains firmly in the playoff mix at this juncture of the regular season, though any sort of skid could result in them dropping into Play-In Tournament territory. With the trade deadline coming up, shoring up more center depth could be an option though the roster desperately needs more 3-and-D wings.<\/p>\n Regardless, Los Angeles will be hoping Hayes is back for one of their games this weekend as they can use all the help they can get.<\/p>\n Luka Doncic explains biggest improvement from Jaxson Hayes this season <\/p>\n Doncic has helped revitalize Hayes\u2019 career, setting him up for numerous lobs and easy buckets. This season, Hayes has been even better finishing off Doncic\u2019s passes and the superstar explained the center has improved in finding space<\/a> in the correct pockets. <\/p>\n