Jaxson Hayes
13Breakdown
Performance
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February 27, 2026
Good to go Thursday
Hayes (ankle) is available for Thursday's game against the Suns, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis
Hayes didn't play in the Lakers' loss to the Magic on Tuesday due to a right ankle sprain, but he has been cleared to play in Thursday's contest and will serve as the top big man off the bench behind Deandre Ayton. Hayes has averaged 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists over 16.0 minutes per game since Feb. 1.
February 26, 2026
Likely to play Thursday
Hayes (ankle) is probable for Thursday's game against Phoenix, Trevor Lane of LakersNation.com reports.
Analysis
Hayes is on track to return from a one-game absence because of a right ankle sprain. The 25-year-old center is averaging 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across 17.3 minutes per game this season. His return could mean fewer opportunities for Maxi Kleber and Jarred Vanderbilt.
February 24, 2026
Won't play Tuesday
Hayes won't play in Tuesday's game against the Magic due to a sprained right ankle, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com.
Analysis
The Lakers deem Hayes day-to-day ahead of his next chance to play Thursday, when Los Angeles takes on the Suns. Maxi Kleber should handle the No. 2 center spot behind Deandre Ayton, but that role doesn't seem to offer him much fantasy upside.
February 24, 2026
Tagged doubtful for Tuesday
Hayes (ankle) is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Magic, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Analysis
Coach JJ Redick said earlier in the day that the team is considering Hayes day-to-day, but it doesn't appear as though he'll be cleared to suit up for Tuesday's clash. Maxi Kleber would slot in as the backup center if Hayes is downgraded to out.
February 23, 2026
Considered day-to-day
Hayes is being considered day-to-day after suffering a right ankle injury during Sunday's game against Boston, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Analysis
The Lakers have yet to release their injury report for Tuesday's matchup with the Magic, so it remains to be seen what injury tag he'll carry leading up to tipoff. Hayes suffered the injury during the first quarter of Sunday's clash and was unable to return.
February 23, 2026
Won't return Sunday
Hayes will not return to Sunday's game against the Celtics due to a right ankle injury, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Hayes exited the game in the first quarter and will not return due to a right ankle injury. Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber could see extra minutes off the bench with Hayes sidelined. His status for Tuesday's game against the Magic is now in question.
February 21, 2026
Headed to bench
Hayes will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Clippers, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Analysis
Deandre Ayton (knee) is back and starting after a two-game layoff, so Hayes will return to a reserve role. As a member of the second unit this season, Hayes owns averages of 6.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per contest.
