Jackson Hayes is on injury notice after leaving the Kings game early

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers lost their final preseason game, 117-116, against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, a game that served as a tune-up before their season opener against the Golden State Warriors next week. But after the game, there was a bit of concern about the backup center Jackson Hayes who left the game early with a wrist injury.

After the Lakers’ final preseason game, head coach JJ Redick provided an update because of Jackson Hayes’ injury.

“Wrist contusion, X-ray negative,” Redick said. “It was a dunk. That’s why he shot a projectile off the backboard on a free throw. I don’t have a time update, hopefully we’ll have it for you…Sunday.”

The injury occurred in the first quarter when Luka Doncic found Hayes at the rim with a lob pass, a connection that was successful last season after the trade. Hayes was ejected after halftime. He finished the night with six points and four rebounds while shooting 3-of-4 from the field in eight minutes of action.

After re-signed with the Lakers in the offseason, Hayes considered the primary backup center, a role he played last season before Anthony Davis was traded. The Lakers signed Deandre Ayton in free agency, clearing the way for Hayes to return to the second unit.

Hayes has been impressive as the Lakers’ starting center since the Doncic trade in the second half of the season. But when the playoffs started, he realized his role was reduced and he was eventually benched as the Lakers were eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Last season, Hayes appeared in 56 games, including 35 starts, logging just over 19 minutes per game. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 72.2 percent from the field and 62.2 percent from the three-point line. As a starter, Hayes averaged 7.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 72.9 percent from the field.

If Hayes is ruled out for any length of time, it likely means Christian Colocco, who is on a two-way contract, will be called up for immediate duty. Before the game against the Kings, Redick talked about the importance of players on two-way contracts and how they want to better manage their availability.

“They’re going to be important all year long, not just early in the season. We saw the value of our two-way last year,” Redick said. “(They) helped us turn the season around and provided a lot of positives. . . . I think we have a better process for that this year. . . cleaning it up for the players is the most important thing this year.”