Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Announce Jaxson Hayes News After Leaving Suns Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 11:30 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers were already shorthanded entering Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Both Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton returned from respective injuries, but Luka Doncic was out of action due to a leg issue. Rui Hachimura was sidelined as well, leaving the Lakers short of two starters against the Suns.

Unfortunately for L.A., it lost another key player during the game. This was after Jaxson Hayes, who filled in for Ayton as the team’s starting center during the latter's absence, was forced to exit the contest with an ankle injury.

Hayes reverted to a bench role on Tuesday upon Ayton's return. Before his premature departure, the 7-foot center had registered two points and one rebound in five minutes of action.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic, and center Jaxson Hayes react during a game.Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Hayes is now in his third season with the Lakers. Entering Tuesday's game, he had already made 24 appearances this term, starting four games. Hayes has averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 17.7 minutes per contest.

Hayes, however, could miss time with this new ankle injury. The 25-year-old had to leave the contest after tweaking his ankle. The Lakers then announced later in the game that he would not be able to return due to left ankle soreness. This report comes via Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

Jaxson Hayes will not return tonight because of left ankle soreness, the Lakers say
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 24, 2025

It was a forgettable evening for the Lakers. They got blown out by the Suns, 132-108, marking their second straight loss following Saturday's 103-88 defeat against their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers dropped to 19-9 after losing to the Suns. They remain fourth in the Western Conference.

The Lakers and the Suns have already played each other three times in December, with Phoenix now holding a 2-1 advantage in the season series.

As for Hayes, his next chance to play would be on Thursday in a Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers should provide an update on the severity of his injury, which will likely determine his status for their next game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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