Lakers Injury Report: Austin Reaves Out, Jaxson Hayes Concern Remains as 4 Players Listed vs Kings (Dec. 28)

With key players like Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes listed on their injury report, the LA Lakers will likely need to make significant adjustments to their lineup for Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

Reaves re-injured his calf during the team’s Christmas Day matchup and has been diagnosed with a grade two left gastrocnemius strain. An injury to the same calf led him to miss three games in December and will now keep him sidelined for at least the next four weeks.

A sizeable loss for the Lakers as Reaves has been one of their best players in the 2025-26 season. He is averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game, shooting 50.7%. Marcus Smart is expected to replace him in the lineup. While Smart provides two-way quality, he can’t match Reaves’ production on offense.

Center Jaxson Hayes is also listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game as he continues to recover from an ankle injury he suffered against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. He has been solid off the bench, recording 5.9 ppg and 4.0 rpg, shooting 76.6%. The team could look toward Maxi Kleber if Hayes isn’t available.

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Gabe Vincent, who last played in a 116-114 win against the Suns on Dec. 14, is also out for Saturday’s game with a back strain. Lastly, Drew Timme, who has been placed under the concussion protocol, is listed as questionable. He last played for the team on Dec. 5; ESPN lists Saturday as his expected return date.

Where to watch Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers?

Saturday’s matchup featuring the Sacramento Kings and the LA Lakers will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and NBC Sports - California. Fans can also stream the game on FuboTV and NBA League Pass. The game will tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers (19-10) are coming into Saturday's game after suffering three consecutive losses. This poor stretch has seen the team drop down to fifth place in the Western Conference, six games behind the OKC Thunder in first.

Meanwhile, the Kings won their last matchup but have struggled all season long. Sacramento is 14th in the West, holding one of the worst records in the league this season.

Edited by Sameer Khan