For just the second time this season, the Los Angeles Lakers will be down starting center Deandre Ayton, who suffered a right knee contusion in the Lakers’ 108-106 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
The Lakers are facing their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, in each team’s third game of the NBA Cup. With Ayton out, backup centers Jaxson Hayes and Maxi Kleber are sure to see increased roles Tuesday night.
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After Ayton didn’t reenter the game in the second half, Hayes played a total of 18 minutes while Kleber was on the court for 14 minutes. While Hayes finished with five points and Kleber just two, Kleber received high praise from his teammates for his impact on the game.
“He was one the best players on the floor for us,” Reaves said. “Just energy, effort, the way he plays, the plays he made. It’s not easy to do, sitting the whole first half and then coming out there and doing what he did. You tip your hat to guys like that. You want to see them succeed.”
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Kleber’s defensive effort made a serious impact throughout the second half, and his lone bucket came as the Lakers were fighting off a furious Jazz comeback with just over a minute remaining in the game.
“Obviously, Jaxson has been in a starting role for us before, so very easy for him to step in and into that role,” forward LeBron James said. “But Maxi gave us big-time minutes. Brought physicality, had a big-time move towards the end to get that dunk.”
Hayes and Kleber Must Step Up
After Sunday night’s game, Redick told reporters he expected everybody to be ready again if Ayton wasn’t able to go Tuesday night. The pairing of Hayes and Kleber should bring enough experience to keep the Lakers afloat at the five.
Hayes started 35 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. This season, the seven-year veteran has already carved a niche for himself in the Lakers’ rotation, and now gets an extended opportunity to prove himself as a contributor.
Kleber was a longtime Dallas Maverick until signing with the Lakers this season, spending the first eight years of his career in Dallas. Kleber has averaged just 12.8 minutes per game this season, but should see that number nearly double Tuesday night.
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