The Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with a number of minor injuries this season. It seems as if every time one or two of their players are cleared to return, someone else goes down.
Last week, forwards Cam Reddish and Rui Hachimura went on the injured list with relatively minor ailments. Reddish made his return on Wednesday in a win over the Detroit Pistons, but in that same game, backup center Jaxson Hayes had to leave with left elbow soreness while wing Max Chrisite suffered a calf ailment.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, arguably the Lakers’ two best perimeter defenders, have been out for a while with heel bursitis and a knee ailment, respectively.
While Christie has been cleared to play for L.A.’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Hayes will not play in that contest.
Max Christie is available tonight, per the Lakers. Jaxson Hayes is out with left elbow soreness.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 30, 2023
The absence of Hayes could be costly, as the Thunder feature rookie big man Chet Holmgren, who is having an excellent season so far. Holmgren, who is 7-foot-1, is averaging 17.9 points and 8.0 rebounds a game while shooting a high percentage.