Lakers Get Major Boost as Star Returns to Practice Ahead of Rockets Series

The Los Angeles Lakers received a timely boost Tuesday as backup center Jaxson Hayes returned to full practice and will be in a strong position for contention in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Hayes missed the last four games of the regular season while nursing left foot soreness.

The 25-year-old has expressed optimism about his readiness for the postseason opener as the No. 4 Lakers host No. 5 Rockets.

Los Angeles Lakers Big Man Overcoming Injury in Time 

The Lakers may have earned homecourt advantage in the first round, however, the series comes with an air of mixed feelings for L.A. with two of their top scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss the first round at least. 

As such, they will need all the help they can get from the rest of the group, and with guard Marcus Smart returning, it left Hayes as the only player out before today. 

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Jaxson Hayes #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a fould in the second half of play against the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on March 30, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

“Feeling a lot better,” Hayes said after Tuesday’s practice. “It was nice getting a few days off, especially with my job. I jump a lot and run a lot. So it’s hard for me to rest something like that. So getting those days off was much-needed, very helpful.”

He described his foot issue as a culmination of playing in over seven NBA seasons at his seven-foot size. However, Hayes made it clear that he intends to contribute regardless of lingering discomfort, signaling he expects to suit up for Game 1.

Hayes is the primary backup to starting center DeAndre Ayton and brings energy as a rim-runner, lob threat and occasional shot-blocker. 

He has played 66 times this season, and the Lakers will need a big-man rotation against a much more athletic Houston side.

Frontcourt Depth Critical Against Rockets’ Size

The Lakers lost Doncic to a Grade 2 hamstring strain and Reaves to a Grade 2 left oblique strain. It leaves LeBron James to shoulder a primary offensive load at age 41. If this were several seasons back, that wouldn’t have been a headache.

However, that is not the case.

Houston finished the regular season strong and ranked among the league’s better teams in net rating. The Rockets have a solid defensive unit. The Lakers will be missing Doncic’s scoring if he doesn’t make it on time for the conclusion of the series. 

L.A. will need all the physical presence it can provide and Hayes will be one. His bench minutes will be critical as Ayton will handle the bulk of the minutes at the center position. However, Hayes’ role could expand if the series moves deeper and requires more games to decide it. 

Not just Hayes, other pieces like Smart and forward Rui Hachimura will have to shoulder more responsibility than anticipated if the Lakers are to have a good playoff series. 

Game 1 is set for Saturday, April 18, at Crypto.com Arena followed by Game 2 before the series then shifts to Houston for Games 3 and 4. 

The Rockets enter as favorites given the Lakers’ key absences in the backcourt. 

Lakers head coach JJ Redick has framed preparation around mentality and habits built over the final stretch of the season, rather than fixating solely on the opponent. 

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