The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for their Tuesday matchup with the Detroit Pistons and Rui Hachimura (right calf soreness), Austin Reaves (left gastrocnemius strain) and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) are out while Jaxson Hayes (left ankle soreness) is available to return.
Hachimura missed practice on Monday due to the calf injury and will now miss a game, although head coach JJ Redick made it seem like it was a minor issue that wouldn’t keep him out long.
Vincent has missed the past couple of weeks and hasn’t progressed enough to return, while Hayes’ absence only ended up being two games. Meanwhile, Reaves will be sidelined for at least the next month as he tends to his calf injury.
Los Angeles has unfortunately been unable to keep the same lineups consistently due to various nagging injuries across the roster. The impact has been particularly felt among the stars as all three have not been available often during the 2025-26 season.
Getting Hayes back would be huge for the team as the Lakers can use all the help they can get as they head into the heart of their regular season schedule. Redick has managed the guard rotation by using more of Nick Smith Jr. behind Marcus Smart. Meanwhile, Maxi Kleber has soaked up minutes in Hayes’ place, though he doesn’t offer the same rim running or lob threat ability.
Vincent is a reliable point of attack defender that can knock down an open jumper, while Hayes offers vertical spacing in pick-and-roll situations between himself and Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Those skills would be useful against a Pistons team that currently sits atop the Eastern Conference, although they will have to manage without Vincent and Hachimura.
Detroit is a young, fast and athletic team that can out opponents over the course of a night, so the Lakers will likely need big performances from its stars to carry them to a victory.
LeBron James willing to do whatever’s needed for Lakers
James was forced to miss the beginning of the 2025-26 season, but since his debut he has started to look more and more like himself. It was understandable to see James struggle with his rhythm and timing early on, but the super star seems to finally be catching his rhythm on both sides of the floor.
James regaining his form comes at a good time now that the Lakers have ruled out Reaves for at least the next month. Reaves carried a heavy burden, but James said he is willing to do whatever the team needs in his absence.
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