The Los Angeles Lakers are just a day away from their season opener against the Golden State Warriors. This looks like a promising season for LA, which saw its campaign end in the first round of the playoffs just a year ago. One of the most pleasant surprises heading into the season has been Deandre Ayton.
“There is still a level of caution revolving around Deandre Ayton that is hard to shake. However, in the very early parts of the Ayton experience for the Los Angeles Lakers, it is likewise difficult to shake the present feeling that Rob Pelinka and the front office made the biggest steal of the summer,” Lake Show Life’s Syvatoslav Rovenchuk wrote. “The more Ayton continues to look like someone who can reliably fix the concerns of last season, the more his $8.1 million contract will stick out for its value. Not only will that be a bargain, it could be highway robbery by year's end.”
His backup, Jaxson Hayes, is in real danger of missing the season opener on Tuesday after taking a fall on his wrist.
“Happily, though, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reports that imaging on Hayes' wrist was negative, meaning there isn't any structural damage that could hold him out longer-term,” SI’s Alex Kirschenbaum wrote. “It seems like it could be a tall task for Hayes to return in time, meaning Kleber and even Koloko could be in line for a minutes boost behind Ayton immediately.”
The Lakers’ depth for Tuesday’s opener continues to take hits, as LeBron James will also be out. Hayes even poked fun at himself when talking about the injury.
“Jaxson Hayes says his wrist is doing fine after taking a hard fall last Friday. He said he hurt himself "being a dummy" by trying to catch himself while falling,” LA Times’ Thuc Nhi Nguyen posted.
With Hayes likely sidelined, someone will need to step up in a big way. Luka Doncic’s only lob threat at the moment will be Ayton.
The start of the season could be a challenge with the way injuries are already impacting the roster. Dealing with multiple setbacks before opening night is never an ideal situation for any team.