Jackson Hayes leaves the Suns game with an ankle injury
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered its second straight loss after a 132-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The Lakers have dealt with injuries to key players all season, and the latest to suffer an ailment is a backup big man Jackson Hayes.
Jackson Hayes suffered an apparent ankle injury during the Lakers’ game against the Suns, and was ultimately ruled out for the game. Hayes played just five minutes in the first half, finishing with just two points and one rebound.
On the injury front, the Lakers welcomed back Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton, but were still without Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent. Although not 100 percent definitive, Doncic could return against the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day.
As for Hayes, he has been among the Lakers’ most consistent players this season. He played his role perfectly as a backup center, filling in well with the starters in games where Ayton was absent.
Hayes has looked to expand his game this season with improved decision making in the short throw, and with his 3-point shooting. Entering Tuesday’s game, he had appeared in 24 games, including four starts, logging just over 17 minutes per game.
He averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 76.6 percent from the field and 65 percent from the free throw line.
The Lakers will return home this week for a three-game stretch starting with a Christmas Day showdown against the Rockets. 2025 will end with games against the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons.
2025-12-24 04:37:00
