The shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers took on the Phoenix Suns tonight under dire circumstances, missing multiple starters and key players, and seemingly, things are only getting worse. Center Jaxson Hayes exited from the game tonight and hasn’t been seen since. Here’s what happened.

Why Did Jaxson Hayes Leave the Game? What Injury Did He Suffer?

Hayes played five minutes in the first half and looked solid, but shortly into the second quarter, he checked out of the game, heading to the locker room. There didn’t seem to be any obvious moment of contact during the game, and soon afterward, an update on his status was given.

The team reported that Hayes wouldn’t be returning tonight due to left ankle soreness, which doesn’t seem serious, but there are no further details on his status. We’ll have to wait for an update to determine the exact severity of the injury.

How Did Jaxson Hayes Perform Before Leaving?

Jaxson Hayes was fine, if a bit quiet tonight. In five minutes of play, he logged two points with a rebound and a turnover, and guarded opposing bigs well. His plus/minus was on the higher side for the team, still sitting at a -7, with the Suns completely blowing out the Lakers 132-108.

Top Stories

Kyrie Irving Breaks Silence After Injury Return Update Emerges

Prayers Pour In For Napheesa Collier After Unfortunate Health Announcement

Is Austin Reaves Dating YouTuber SteveWillDoIt’s Ex-Girlfriend? Fact Checking Viral Claim

Michael Jordan Could Have Repaired Scottie Pippen Relationship if He Wanted To: Former Teammate

Are Nuggets Signing DeMarcus Cousins? Fact Checking the Viral News

How Lakers Adjust Without Jaxson Hayes?

With Hayes sidelined, starting center Deandre Ayton took on some more playing time, with the team often going for smaller lineups with defensive specialist Jarred Vanderbilt at the five, who performed well. Both players played fine defense and were efficient in scoring.

Ayton logged 12 points and ten rebounds with an assist and three steals, with Vanderbilt adding five points, five rebounds, and an assist. Austin Reaves shouldered some of the scoring load off the bench while coming off an injury, adding 17 points, but it wasn’t enough.

The Phoenix Suns took control early by exploiting Luka Doncic’s absence, grabbing the lead in the first quarter and sealing the game for good in the third, logging a 45-point frame and opening the half on a 16-4 run that left the Lakers scrambling.

LA managed just one field goal in the first three minutes after halftime, a stretch that ended any hopes of them staying in the game.

Without their primary playmaker, the Lakers committed 17 turnovers that Phoenix turned into 24 points, exacerbating an already difficult situation.

LeBron James tried his best with 23 points, but the team struggled to make their free throws, converting only 18 of 29 attempts.

Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker led the Suns, logging a combined 46 points and 11 assists, with their depth shining tonight. Six players finished with double-digit scoring, and the Suns shot nearly 59% as a team.

Even the reserves piled on; Collin Gillespie continued his breakout season with 16 points, eight assists and three steals, while Royce O’Neale hit 4 threes, keeping the pressure on an already depleted Lakers roster.

The next opportunity for Hayes and Doncic to return to the team is on Christmas, when they face off against the Houston Rockets to begin a three-game homestand. Only time will tell if the Lakers can bounce back against a top-tier Western Conference contender.