Jaxson Hayes doesn’t return to the Lakers-Jazz game

On February 13, 2025By Littum

The Los Angeles Lakers Had plenty of trouble making shots in the first half of their game Wednesday against Utah Jazz. They shot only 41.7% from the field and had five of their shooting attempts blocked by Center Walker Kessler, and that was an important reason why they drew 64-56 at the break.

As talented as they are now, as Luka Doncic has joined them, Laker’s weak is in the center. Their starter in this position is Jaxson Hayes, who is a skilled shot blocker and finisher at the edge, but is best used as a backup from the bench.

Unfortunately for LA, it will be without him in the second half after he suffered a face contusion.

Hayes had four points, two rebounds, an assist and a block of seven minutes before leaving the game. Lakers will have to look to expand their six-game-winning strip without him, but it will give the newcomer Alex Len and G League Prospect Christian Koloko a chance to prove that they deserve meaningful minutes.

They are already outside Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Gabe Vincent (knees), two of their best defenders.