Lakers Announce Injury Update on Jaxson Hayes as Regular Season Nears

Oct 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) gets a rebound during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images | William Liang-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers may have their starting center situation resolved heading into the 2025-26 season, but multiple players are still duking it out to back up new signing Deandre Ayton.

Former starter Jaxson Hayes, who fell out of favor with head coach JJ Redick early into the playoffs despite being a solid lob partner for new superstar Luka Doncic, seemed like the leader in the clubhouse to get the nod, over 33-year-old vet Maxi Kleber and, perhaps, two-way signing Christian Koloko or forwards Rui Hachimura and Adou Thiero in small-ball minutes.

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Unfortunately, Hayes is already hurt. The 7-footer departed the second half of LA's season finale, a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday, with a right wrist contusion.

Happily, though, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports that imaging on Hayes' wrist was negative, meaning there isn't any structural damage that could hold him out longer-term.

Redick said that X-rays on Hayes’ wrist were negative. https://t.co/smb6rUv5P6

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 18, 2025

Still, the timing on this injury should raise internal alarm bells for fans. Los Angeles' regular season tips off on Tuesday.

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It seems like it could be a tall task for Hayes to return in time, meaning Kleber and even Koloko could be in line for a minutes boost behind Ayton immediately.

During the regular season, at least, Hayes does have some value for Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old Texas product did improve after graduating into a starting role when LA traded away Anthony Davis for Doncic midseason. All told, he averaged 6.8 points on 72.2 percent shooting from the field, mostly from around the rim, and 62.2 percent of his free throws, along with 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.5 steals per in 56 games (35 starts).

Kleber's Upside for Los Angeles

The 6-foot-10 Kleber is now far removed from his Dallas Mavericks-era prime. In just 34 healthy bouts last year, the German big man averaged a career-worst 3.0 points on .385/.265/.762 shooting splits, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.5 blocks a night.

He's a career 35.4 percent shooter from distance, however, and if he can curb his regression there, he could provide actual value for LA.

He's on an expiring $11 million contract, so really it might behoove the Lakers to feature Kleber early, if only to build up his trade value.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.