The Los Angeles Lakers are badly in need of some wins and positive vibes. They have lost three games in a row and are coming off a 128-94 humiliation at the hands of the mediocre Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
While their effort and aggression have left something to be desired so far this season, they also have a growing problem on the injury front. Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince and Jaxson Hayes have all missed games already, and Davis, Vanderbilt, Vincent and Hayes were all unable to play on Wednesday.
While Vanderbilt and Vincent are still out, Davis and Hayes are listed as questionable for Friday’s game at the Phoenix Suns.
The Lakers list Anthony Davis (left hip) and Jaxson Hayes (left ankle) as questionable for Friday’s game in PHX, the first group-play game of LAL’s in-season tournament schedule.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 9, 2023
Without them on Wednesday, head coach Darvin Ham was forced to play undrafted rookie center Colin Castleton for 14 minutes. He had just two points, two rebounds and two assists, and he likely isn’t ready to contribute at this level.
If neither Davis nor Hayes can play on Friday, the Lakers will be at a major disadvantage against the Suns, especially given how weak their defensive rebounding has been.
