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Ayton averaged 13 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in wins over the Knicks, Timberwolves, Bulls and Nuggets after coming back from a one-game injury absence. When Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber were sidelined for games against Minnesota and Chicago, Ayton starred with back-to-back double-doubles. “Felt like I picked up my energy and my focus,” Ayton said. “I finally caught up with the team.”
Law Murray: LeBron James and Marcus Smart are available for Saturday vs Nuggets Jaxson Hayes (back) probably is as well Maxi Kleber (back) is out
Dave McMenamin: JJ Redick says the team hopes to have Marcus Smart (hip) available against Denver on Saturday. He added that Jaxson Hayes received imaging on his back, and the team is awaiting results. And that Maxi Kleber will miss some more time as he deals with his recurring lumbar issue
Dave McMenamin: Jaxson Hayes (back soreness), Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) and Marcus Smart (right hip contusion) are out tonight vs. CHI, per the Lakers. LeBron James (left foot arthritis, right hip contusion) remains questionable.
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Law Murray: Lakers report that Marcus Smart (hip) is doubtful for tomorrow vs Bulls Jaxson Hayes (back) is probable and Maxi Kleber (back) is questionable LeBron James (hip) is also questionable
Dave McMenamin: The Lakers will be without both of their backup big men tonight: Maxi Kleber (lumbar back strain) and Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) are both out.
Jaxson Hayes has been just as good, if not better, as an interior defender over the course of the season. He’s a more forceful roller out of the pick and roll, which will be especially important Sunday if the Knicks hedge and recover on pick and rolls with Doncic as the ball handler like they did significantly in the Feb. 1 matchup at Madison Square Garden, which the Knicks won 112-100. Hard rolls from an athletic center who can provide vertical spacing opens up lob opportunities, which Doncic is one of the best at delivering. “Him and Luka have a really good connection right now,” Luke Kennard said. “They’re playing really well and playing off each other.” Factor in Hayes’ improved playmaking out of the short roll and the Knicks will have to ensure they don’t give Hayes too much of a runway while also trying to contain Doncic. “I love playing with Jaxson,” Doncic said. “This year, his improvement is unbelievable. He understands, I think this year even more, how to play with me. We’ve been working on that. So playing with him is very special for me.”
Khobi Price: Jaxson Hayes is available tonight at Phoenix, per JJ Redick.
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Khobi Price: Rui Hachimura is questionable for tomorrow at Phoenix because of an illness, while Jaxson Hayes is probable.
