Lakers' JJ Redick Gives Good News on 'Key' Big Man Before Game 1

Backup center Jaxson Hayes is set to play in the Lakers' playoff opener against the Rockets.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.The Lakers' ability to overcome the Rockets' size and physicality will be a key factor in their first-round playoff matchup.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with major injuries to stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but they received some good news ahead of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Lakers assistant coach JJ Redick confirmed that backup center Jaxson Hayes has been a full participant in practice this week and will be a key part of the rotation against the Rockets, who are a strong rebounding team.

Why it matters

The Lakers will need all hands on deck to overcome the Rockets, who are favored in the series despite the Lakers having home-court advantage. Hayes' presence as a backup big man will be crucial in helping the Lakers match the Rockets' size and physicality, especially on the glass.

The details

Hayes has averaged 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 18.3 minutes per game this season for the Lakers. The Rockets are the leading rebounding team in the NBA, with a 34.8% offensive rebounding rate, which helps offset their weaknesses in 3-point shooting and free-throw percentage. Having Hayes available will give the Lakers another option to deal with Rockets stars Alperen Sengun and Clint Capela.

  • The Lakers open their first-round playoff series against the Rockets on April 18, 2026.

The players

Jaxson Hayes

A backup center for the Los Angeles Lakers who has been dealing with a sore foot but is now ready to play in the team's first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Alperen Sengun

A young star center for the Houston Rockets who, along with veteran Clint Capela, will present a size and rebounding challenge for the Lakers.

Clint Capela

The veteran center for the Houston Rockets who, along with Alperen Sengun, will present a size and rebounding challenge for the Lakers.

Jarred Vanderbilt

A role player for the Lakers who brings toughness and edge that the team will need against the physical Rockets.

Ime Udoka

The head coach of the Houston Rockets, who has instilled a rough-and-tumble persona in his team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jaxson Hayes has been a full participant in Lakers practice this week, said JJ Redick, after dealing with a sore foot and missing the final four regular season games. He'll be a key part of the rotation against Houston.”

— Mike Trudell, Reporter

“It's the playoffs, so, the stage is already set. The intensity is already high. This is the moment we dream for, we live for as a professional basketball player. So, the intensity is never going away. Teams go on runs, they punch you in the mouth, but you've got to be able to respond. The intensity should always be up, especially with this group of guys that we have and our end goal, I think the level is always high for us.”

— Jarred Vanderbilt, Lakers Player

What’s next

The Lakers and Rockets will tip off Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The Lakers' ability to weather the Rockets' size and physicality, especially on the glass, will be crucial in this series. Having Jaxson Hayes available as a backup big man gives the Lakers an important piece to help match up with Houston's frontcourt.