Los Angeles, CA – In a preseason thriller that had Lakers fans on the edge of their seats, backup center Jaxson Hayes took a “TERRIFYING” fall during Friday night’s 117-116 defeat to the Sacramento Kings, sending shockwaves through the Crypto.com Arena. The 7-foot big man crashed hard to the floor after a fierce battle under the basket, exiting the game early and leaving supporters holding their breath. But fear not, Purple and Gold faithful—Hayes has just dropped a CRUCIAL UPDATE that could solidify the Lakers’ frontcourt depth as they gear up for the 2025-26 season opener.
According to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, Hayes is dealing with nothing more than a light wrist sprain from the scary incident. The 25-year-old former No. 8 overall pick out of Texas CONFIDENTLY STATED that he plans to SUIT UP for Tuesday’s blockbuster matchup against the revamped Golden State Warriors. “It’s light, I’m good to go,” Hayes reportedly told reporters post-game, easing concerns and signaling his readiness to battle for minutes off the bench.
Hayes’ brief but impactful stint against the Kings showcased why he’s a vital piece for head coach JJ Redick’s squad. In just eight minutes, the athletic center poured in six points on a scorching 3-of-4 shooting, snagged four rebounds, and added a steal while posting a -5 plus-minus. That efficient play was a bright spot in a gritty loss, where the Lakers’ stars lit up the scoreboard despite some uneven performances.
Lakers’ Preseason Fireworks: Stars Shine Bright Amid Injury Clouds
Leading the charge was five-time All-NBA First Team superstar guard Luka Dončić, who erupted for a game-high 32 minutes of dominance. The Slovenian sensation dropped 31 points on 8-of-16 field goals (6-of-11 from deep!) and 9-of-12 free throws, while dishing nine assists, grabbing five rebounds, swiping a steal, and even blocking a shot. Dončić’s virtuoso performance was a reminder of why the Lakers traded the farm to land him this offseason.
Forward Rui Hachimura thrived in his natural power forward role with LeBron James sidelined by a nagging sciatica injury, exploding for 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting (4-of-5 from three) and a perfect 2-of-2 from the line. Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent each tallied 14 points, providing gritty defense and timely scoring. New starting center Deandre Ayton stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points and nine rebounds, anchoring the paint beautifully.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t all smooth sailing—Austin Reaves endured a rough night, managing just eight points on a dismal 3-of-15 shooting. Meanwhile, ominous updates on LeBron James’ sciatica setback from coach JJ Redick cast a shadow, with the King set to make unfortunate personal history by missing the opener.
The Backup Big Man Battle: Hayes vs. Kleber Heats Up
Hayes’ reassuring injury update comes at a pivotal time in a heated preseason position battle. The young rim protector is vying with veteran Maxi Kleber for the first center off the bench behind Ayton. Kleber, a 35.4% three-point shooter last season, brings elite floor-spacing that could stretch defenses thin—unlike the paint-focused Hayes or Ayton. But the 33-year-old’s injury history is a glaring red flag: he’s missed an average of 38.8 games over the past four years.
Hayes, on the other hand, is the raw athletic upside play. Long pegged as a high-promise talent since his 2019 draft night, the 25-year-old has flashed elite tools: explosive dunks, shot-blocking prowess, and rebounding tenacity. His future with LA hung in the balance this summer after a brutal postseason demotion—Redick yanked him from the starting lineup in the first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, benching him entirely by Game 5. Yet, in a stunning twist, Hayes inked a one-year, $3.4 million veteran’s minimum deal to return, betting on himself to reclaim his spot.
With James potentially limited early, Hayes’ health is MISSION-CRITICAL. A full-go performance against Golden State could lock in his rotation role and silence doubters. As the Lakers chase another championship ring, Hayes’ “TERRIFYING” fall now looks like a mere bump in the road—his IMPORTANT STATEMENT proves he’s tougher than the tumble.
Stay tuned for Tuesday’s tip-off: Will Hayes rise up and deliver? The Lakers’ depth—and their season—may just depend on it. Go Lakers! 🏀💜💛