Why Jaxson Hayes isn't playing for Lakers tonight after new injury news

The Los Angeles Lakers had Jaxson Hayes in a new role in their season opener.

Because they signed Deandre Ayton to be their starting center, Hayes is coming off the bench.

Except that won't be the case on Friday night in the Lakers' second game of the season.

Los Angeles is set to play the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Hayes won't be out there.

MORE: SGA was unstoppable on his career night

Why isn't Jaxson Hayes playing tonight?

Jaxson Hayes isn't playing on Friday night because of an injury.

Hayes was listed as questionable early in the day with left knee soreness.

Head coach JJ Redick told reporters at about 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT) that Hayes would miss the game.

MORE: Aaron Gordon did what on his crazy career night?

The Lakers are still without Maxi Kleber, too.

They do have two-way center Christian Koloko active, and he might have to get minutes behind Ayton.

The Wolves have a ton of size, so it's not a great day to be without Hayes. Ayton may have to play a bunch of minutes and try to avoid foul trouble to make up for the lack of center depth on this night.

More NBA News:

• Victor Wembanyama set to reach heights never touched in NBA history
• Nikola Jokic ties Oscar Robertson in special triple-double history
• VJ Edgecombe scored most points in NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959
• Anthony Edwards breaks a record previously held by KAT, KG
• Steph Curry moves within striking distance of a Michael Jordan record
• NBA's Thompson twins get a chance to play against each other