Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes said on Apr. 14 that he is feeling ready for Game 1 of the NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets after missing the last four games with a left foot injury.
Hayes’ return comes as the Lakers prepare to face Houston without key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, increasing the importance of depth in their lineup. The team has also been managing injuries to other role players, including Marcus Smart, who recently returned from a left ankle contusion.
“Feeling a lot better,” Hayes said about his recovery. “It was nice getting a few days off, especially with my job I jump a lot and run a lot. So it’s hard for me to rest something like that. So getting those days off was much-needed, very helpful.”
Hayes explained that his injury developed over time due to years of playing in the NBA at seven feet tall. “It was a bit of accumulation over the years. Seven years of jumping around the NBA at seven-foot isn’t gonna be the best,” he added.
Despite this, Hayes made it clear that he intended to play in Game 1 regardless of his condition: “I was gonna play no matter what,” he said. “I wasn’t worried about that. If I was hurting, I would be playing and if I wasn’t hurting, I would be playing.”
Having Hayes available is important for head coach JJ Redick as they face Houston’s physical style and strong presence inside with players like Alperen Sengun and Clint Capela. Fellow center Deandre Ayton is also preparing for what he expects will be a physical series down low.
With two leading scorers out, Los Angeles will need contributions from all available players as they look to advance past Houston in this first-round matchup.