Austin Reaves Avoids Serious Injury, Jaxson Hayes Out with Ankle Sprain

Austin Reaves, a fan-favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers, had a concerning moment during a game at Crypto.com Arena when he took a hard fall while driving to the basket and was fouled mid-air. The incident initially caused worry, as Reaves left the game but later returned midway through the third quarter and played in the final minutes. This comeback, along with confirmation from Dan Woikie of the Los Angeles Times, indicated there was no hip fracture.

While Reaves is expected to miss a game or two due to the Lakers’ grueling travel schedule, his prognosis is reassuring. Having started all 19 games this season, Reaves has emerged as a key playmaker, averaging 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. His continued presence and contributions are vital for the Lakers as they navigate a competitive schedule.

In contrast, the Lakers face a setback with reserve center Jaxson Hayes, who is sidelined for a couple of weeks due to a sprained ankle. Hayes has been a consistent bench contributor, averaging 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. His absence will test the team’s depth as they look to maintain their performance in the weeks ahead.

How Big of an Impact are Reaves and Hayes to the Lakers When Fully Healthy

When fully healthy, Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes have the potential to make a significant impact on the Los Angeles Lakers, both offensively and defensively.

Reaves, with his impressive all-around skill set, has quickly become a key contributor for the Lakers. His ability to score efficiently, create plays for others, and defend multiple positions makes him a versatile asset. As a secondary ball handler, Reaves can take pressure off LeBron James, allowing the team to maintain offensive flow even when their star is off the floor. His basketball IQ and ability to make timely plays in clutch situations add another layer of reliability to the Lakers' roster, particularly in high-stakes moments.

Defensively, Reaves provides a level of consistency that’s valuable for the Lakers. Though not an elite athlete, his positioning and effort make him a strong defender on the perimeter. He’s proven capable of guarding multiple positions, which gives the Lakers flexibility in defensive schemes. His potential to guard opposing wings and help with ball pressure can allow the team to deploy more aggressive defensive rotations. When healthy, Reaves can be a key player in keeping opposing offenses in check, complementing the Lakers' stronger defenders like Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

Jaxson Hayes, on the other hand, brings a different set of strengths that can also have a major impact. As a high-flying, athletic big man, Hayes provides a valuable rim-protecting presence. His length and shot-blocking ability bolster the Lakers’ defense, particularly in protecting the paint. Hayes can also be an excellent lob target in transition or when working off pick-and-rolls, a skill set that fits perfectly with the Lakers' fast-paced offense. His size and athleticism give the Lakers an added dimension, especially in rebounding battles, where he can help provide second-chance opportunities and minimize opponents’ offensive boards.

When both players are fully healthy, they help create a deeper and more dynamic Lakers squad. Reaves brings scoring, playmaking, and defense, while Hayes offers rim protection, rebounding, and finishing around the basket. Together, they can contribute to both ends of the floor, allowing the Lakers to play with greater versatility and depth.