The Los Angeles Lakers released an update to their injury report for Saturday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers, with Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness) and Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring tendinopathy) downgraded to out.
This means the Lakers will be without Luka Doncic (left groin soreness), Austin Reaves (left calf strain), Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain), along with Ayton and Hayes. Doncic’s injury appears to be maintenance as he revealed that his groin was bothering him after their win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Reaves remains about a week or so away then Hayes’ hamstring is not believed to be serious either. However, hamstrings are a tricky injury because they can be re-aggravated and become a worse issue down the line.
The backup center has now missed Los Angeles’ previous three games and his absence is felt. Notably in their loss to the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers struggled mightily without having a big on the floor.
Head coach JJ Redick will have to rely on non-center lineups once again and LeBron James may be that de facto center behind Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme. Rebounding needs to be a point of emphasis against Portland as they loss the rebound battle by 15 to the Hornets.
Focusing on the stars, James is at the helm and he will need to shoulder a considerable amount of L.A.’s offense. With no Doncic, who steps up to fill that production is a major question mark as the Lakers bench is dead last in scoring.
Rui Hachimura, as he works his way back into game shape from a calf strain, needs to provide a scoring punch. Despite being on a minutes restriction, he needs to be engaged offensively and hopefully, he can provide some much needed life off the bench.
Notably, Portland will be without their leading scorer Deni Avdija with a lower back strain, Scoot Henderson and Matisse Thybulle. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant are questionable, but should they give it a go, it gives Los Angeles more of a challenge at the Moda Center.
Luka Doncic applauds improvement from Jaxson Hayes
Hayes made a name for himself last season by starting at center post-Luka Doncic trade and that was a surprising storyline. Hayes does have his flaws, but he spent this offseason getting stronger and working on fundamentals.
There have been nights where the athletic center closed games over Ayton. Additionally, Doncic has taken notice of Hayes’ strong play and gave him his flowers.
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