Only four games into the season the Lakers are already dealing with a ton of injuries. In their last game against the Blazers, they had seven players out, including their two biggest stars, LeBron James
and Luka Dončić.
While none of the injuries are considered long-term concerns, they are causing short-term problems as the bench continues to get slimmer. During their most recent matchup against the Blazers, the Lakers had to have all three of their two-way players active.
Luckily, the Lakers got some good news on the injury front on Wednesday. Jaxson Hayes will be returning to the lineup against the Wolves after dealing with left patellar tendinopathy.
Unfortunately, Marcus Smart will not be joining him. Smart remains out with a right quad contusion. Both players were listed as questionable to play prior to this update.
Hayes has only played one game due to this injury. So, it’s good to see him back and available.
Hayes’ return gives the Lakers a vertical lob threat and some much-needed frontcourt depth. He has excellent chemistry with Reaves and can go right back to being the backup to Deandre Ayton for this matchup in Minnesota.
Smart missing another contest isn’t ideal. Head coach JJ Redick mentioned being hopeful that Smart could suit up against the Wolves, but that’s not going to happen.
The Lakers could use him as a defensive specialist like Smart, and given all the injuries they have, he could even be a starter for this team.
His averages of 7.7 points, one rebound and two assists per game may not seem impressive, but Smart’s impact extends beyond the box score. Smart provides a level of defensive aggression that’s absent whenever he is out. This season, he has a plus-minus of +33, the highest on the Lakers.
However, if he’s not ready to go, then he needs to sit.
This is now Smart’s second consecutive game missed due to this quad issue. With the Lakers playing every other day this week, hopefully, his return is imminent.
For now, the Lakers have to consider every player returning as a win. The injury report now has one less player on it. Ideally, that number will continue to decrease as the month comes to a close.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
