After leaving the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to injury, Anthony Davis will miss his fourth game of the 2024-2025 season. With Davis sidelined for Thursday night’s game against the Washington Wizards, JJ Redick will turn to reserve player Jaxson Hayes, who is in his sixth year.

Hayes, 24, will be starting his fourth game of the season, as confirmed by his statement to reporters on the morning of the game. He is the only true center on the Lakers’ active roster, with Christian Wood still out due to injury and Christian Koloko splitting time with the South Bay Lakers on a two-way contract.

Hayes will likely start alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Max Christie. James is one of three Lakers listed as questionable in the initial injury report, while Hachimura is marked as probable.

The Wizards will also be missing their starting center for this game. The second overall pick in the most recent draft, Alex Sarr, will sit out due to a left ankle sprain. Veteran Jonas Valanciunas will take his place in the starting lineup.

While NBA lineups often change, Hayes is expected to start for at least the next week. Davis’ abdominal injury is anticipated to keep him out for around a week, potentially extending into the All-Star break.

Davis’ injury comes just a week after he publicly requested the Lakers to trade for a starting-caliber center. Although Davis currently plays as the team’s center, he has expressed a preference for playing his natural position as power forward.

Lakers aim to bounce back against the Wizards

Despite the absence of Davis, the Lakers are determined to regain momentum against the Wizards. Los Angeles’ four-game win streak was snapped by the 76ers, primarily due to their lack of size without Davis.

Heading into their game with the Wizards, the Lakers stand at 26-19 for the season. This run of victories has also boosted them to fifth place in the Western Conference, their highest position this season.

In contrast, Washington has struggled, with a dismal 6-40 record in their first 46 games. The Wizards are on the verge of having one of the worst records in modern NBA history and enter their matchup with the Lakers on a 15-game losing streak, having last won on Jan. 1.

This game marks the Lakers’ fourth of their current six-game road trip. Since starting the trip on January 25, they’ve made their way to the East Coast and currently hold a 2-1 record on the road trip.