Overview
- Hayes has missed two straight games after his hamstring tightened during the loss to the Kings and he underwent imaging earlier in the week.
- The Lakers’ Saturday injury report also lists starting center Deandre Ayton as questionable with left knee soreness, leaving frontcourt availability uncertain.
- If neither center can go, Los Angeles is prepared to lean on small-ball looks and depth pieces such as Maxi Kleber, Drew Timme or Jarred Vanderbilt.
- Redick signaled that 10-day guard Kobe Bufkin should be ready to contribute as the team navigates absences in the rotation.
- Hayes has appeared in 32 games this season in a reserve role, averaging roughly 6.3–6.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in about 17 minutes on strong shooting efficiency.