Jaxson Hayes out vs. Celtics with right knee contusion
As the Lakers prepare to play the Celtics, they’ll be without their starting center Jaxson Hayes, who is out with a right knee contusion.
If the Lakers are to beat the Celtics in Boston, they’ll have to do it without their starting center, Jaxson Hayes.
The Lakers officially ruled him out of the contest with a right knee contusion.
Per the Lakers: Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) has been downgraded to out for tonight’s game at Boston.
— Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) March 8, 2025
Before this injury, Hayes missed time back in November and December due to an ankle sprain. Hayes has been healthy and starting for the Lakers since Jan. 30.
During pregame availability, coach JJ Redick mentioned that the Lakers have been monitoring his knee and are optimistic he will return soon.
JJ Redick: “I don’t think it’s anything serious.” He said that the Lakers have been monitoring swelling in Hayes’ knee but hopes the center will be back soon. Redick did not name the starter in Hayes’ place. https://t.co/l370bJdamh
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 9, 2025
Recently, Hayes has stepped up to become the team's primary center. He’s shined playing alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić as of late, including a recent 19-point, 10-rebound performance in a win over his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans.
With Hayes out, the Lakers are now missing two starters to begin this four-game road trip. Rui Hachimura has missed the last four games due to left patellar tendinopathy.
The Lakers originally stated that he would be re-evaluated in a week. Now that seven days have passed, Redick stated that Hachimura has begun the return-to-play protocol. There will be another update in a week.
JJ Redick says Rui Hachimura is in his return to play protocol, but LAL won’t have another update on the forward for about another week
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 9, 2025
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and the Lakers will have to navigate these challenges while trying to win on the road during the hardest part of their schedule. Luckily, LeBron and Luka are good to go. We’ll see if that’s enough for this team to continue winning while they await the return of their starters.
Hopefully, Hayes will be back quickly, and Hachimura can continue to ramp up and return to the court as soon as possible.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.