What JJ Redick revealed about Jackson Hayes’ recent injury
LOS ANGELES – As has been the story this season for Los Angeles Lakerswhen one player returns to the lineup, another comes out. Rui Hachimura returned to the court after a seven-game absence for the Lakers’ game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, but Jackson Hayes was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Jackson Hayes has been one of the Lakers’ most consistent players this season and the head coach JJ Redick talked about what he knew so far about Hayes’ injury.
“We’ll have more information, he had tape today,” Redick said before the team’s game against the Hawks. “The hamstring just tightened up in the fourth quarter last night, he couldn’t get back into the game.
Hamstring issues are something Hayes clearly has dealt with for over a week now, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. His availability depends on the results of his recent MRI.
Hayes has appeared in 32 games this season, including four starts, logging just over 17 minutes per game. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 76.6 percent from the field and 65.5 percent from the free throw line. He also made his only 3-point attempt of the year so far.
Hayes was handed the role of starting center last season after the departure of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Although he filled the game admirably during the second half of the season, he was ineffective in the playoffs and was eventually benched in favor of a small-ball lineup.
He re-signed with the team on a one-year contract, and this season he succeeded in a reserve role. Redick has even has closed out several recent games with Hayes at center over Deandre Ayton. The Lakers’ depth has been tested this season, and the sooner they get Hayes back in the lineup, the better.
2026-01-14 05:05:00
