LA Lakers’ Injury Troubles Continue To Pile Up. Their 7-Foot Center Suffers A Nasty Setback In Game Against The Blazers

The Los Angeles Lakers’ early season has been heavily impacted by a growing list of injuries to their key players. During a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, another name got added to the growing injury report. 

The team has already been dealing with the absence of several important rotation players, and this problem forces the healthy players to take on much heavier workloads. This can increase the risk of further injuries, raising concerns for a squad aiming to compete at the highest level. 

The most recent blow came when seven-foot center Jaxson Hayes suffered a painful injury on the court. His sudden departure only highlighted the fragile state of the team’s roster. Despite these setbacks, the Lakers still try to go through their games without a full-strength roster. 

Hayes Suffered A Nasty Ankle Injury

During the second half of the game against the Poland Trail Blazers, Jaxson Hayes suffered a brutal ankle injury, forcing him to leave the game. The incident occurred without contact as he simply slipped on one foot while guarding an opponent, causing the ankle to roll severely.

Following the injury, he fell to the floor and screamed in pain. The moment was unsettling for both teams as they gathered around the fallen center. Hayes had to be helped off the court, and analysts suggested that he had suffered a potential ankle sprain, which could sideline him for several days or weeks. 

After the game, Hayes was officially listed on the injury report with a right ankle sprain. The Lakers later provided a slightly hopeful update, listing Hayes as probable for their next game. 

The LA Lakers Could Be In Deep Trouble Next Week

Hayes picked up this ankle injury at a very crucial time. The Lakers are already missing key players due to injuries, and Hayes was primarily used as their starting man. The extended list of sidelined players severely limits the team’s rotational flexibility.

The injuries forced the remaining centers to play heavy minutes and increased the risk of foul trouble against teams with dominant performers. The lack of size also negatively impacts the team’s defensive rebounding and rim protection.

The Lakers will need every available player to contribute significant minutes. If Hayes is out or limited, the team will have to rely on smaller lineups, which could prove to be easy for opponents. The team’s ability to maintain a winning record will heavily depend on how quickly its injured players can recover and rejoin the action.