Overview
- Head coach JJ Redick identified the issue as hamstring tendinopathy and said he hopes Hayes returns at some point this weekend.
- Hayes missed consecutive games against the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets due to left hamstring soreness.
- The problem began when his hamstring tightened during the loss to the Sacramento Kings, and an MRI was conducted with no results publicly released.
- Redick signaled rotation changes by telling reporters that Kobe Bufkin "needs to be ready" to contribute during Hayes’ absence.
- The Lakers play a back-to-back against the Trail Blazers and Raptors this weekend, and Hayes has averaged 6.4 points and 4.0 rebounds on 76.6% shooting in 32 appearances.