The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten closer and closer to being at full strength, with LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber and Jaxson Hayes dealing with injuries.
Fortunately, the Lakers got some good news on Saturday against the matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Jaxson Hayes Cleared to Play vs. Nuggets
Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray Los Angeles Lakers Jaxson Hayes
Mar 5, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) passes the ball under pressure from Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Lakers announced that Hayes will be available to play Saturday against the Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
Jaxson Hayes (back soreness) has been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game versus Denver.
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) March 14, 2026
Hayes has missed the last two games due to back soreness. He'll give the Lakers some more size to deal with Jokic in the paint.
During the last matchup with the Nuggets in Denver, Hayes played well while shouldering the load for Deandre Ayton, who played only five minutes before being ruled out with a knee issue. Hayes finished with a season-high 19 points to go along with five rebounds and two assists.
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