BREAKING: Jaxson Hayes (right knee contusion) has been downgraded to doubtful for tonight at Boston

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a tough blow as backup center Jaxson Hayes has been downgraded to doubtful for tonight’s highly anticipated game against the Boston Celtics. The 7-foot big man is dealing with a right knee contusion, leaving the Lakers with one less weapon in their arsenal as they head into TD Garden for this marquee matchup.

What Happened?

Hayes picked up the injury during a recent game, though the exact severity of the knee bruise remains unclear. Knee contusions can vary widely from minor discomfort to more significant issues and it seems the Lakers’ medical team is playing it safe. Given Hayes’ high-flying, athletic style of play, which relies heavily on explosive dunks and rim protection, even a minor knee problem could sideline him or limit his impact on the court.

How Will the Lakers Adjust?

If Hayes is unable to play, the Lakers will likely turn to Christian Wood and Anthony Davis to step up in the frontcourt. Davis, who’s already carrying a heavy workload, may see even more minutes, while Wood could get an extended opportunity to contribute. Another option might be LeBron James sliding into more minutes at power forward, though that could add extra strain to the 39-year-old veteran. Alternatively, head coach Darvin Ham could opt for a smaller lineup, giving Jarred Vanderbilt a larger defensive role.

Why This Hurts Against Boston

The timing of Hayes’ potential absence couldn’t be worse. The Celtics, led by stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis, have one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league. The Lakers were already facing an uphill battle in the paint, and without Hayes, their task becomes even more daunting.

What’s Next?

While Hayes hasn’t been officially ruled out yet, the “doubtful” designation makes it seem unlikely he’ll take the floor tonight. If he does sit, the Lakers will be hoping for a speedy recovery, especially with a packed schedule looming in the coming weeks.

We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available ahead of tipoff. Stay tuned!