After spraining his left ankle in apply, Hayes will miss the subsequent one to 2 weeks earlier than he is re-evaluated by the group’s medical workers. The middle is taking part in 17.5 minutes as Anthony Davis’ backup, however some query whether or not Hayes ought to have been taking part in in any respect.
The NBA reopened its investigation right into a 2021 home violence incident the place Hayes appeared to yell, shove and spit at his then-girlfriend, then break objects and flip over furnishings. The brand new investigation was began after TMZ revealed safety digicam footage of the altercation, which ended with LAPD officers tasing and arresting after he allegedly shoved a police officer.
The Lakers have continued to play Hayes, who was a member of the New Orleans Pelicans when the incident occurred. In June 2022, Hayes pleaded no contest to expenses of false imprisonment and resisting an officer. He obtained a sentence of three years of probation, 450 hours of group service and a 12 months of weekly, on-line courses about home violence, however the NBA did not assess additional punishment.
Now that there is damning footage, Hayes might face extra punishment. The NBA has been criticized for its dealing with of home violence points, most notably when Charles Barkley questioned commissioner Adam Silver earlier than the telecast of final season’s opener.
Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets did not play within the 2022-23 season and served a 10-game suspension final season after expenses of home violence in opposition to the mom of his kids. He signed a $75M contract this summer time. Kevin Porter Jr. was traded and waived earlier than final season after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, ultimately pleading responsible to misdemeanor expenses of harassment and reckless assault. The Los Angeles Clippers signed him this summer time.
When Hayes is taking part in for the Lakers each evening with footage of his abusive habits available, it seems just like the NBA does not care about home violence. It is also unclear what else the league must see, 10 days into its investigation.
If Hayes does miss time, as a result of his ankle or a potential suspension, the Lakers haven’t got many choices. They’ve Christian Koloko, who has performed in two NBA video games after being medically cleared for his blood clot points. Tuesday, the group introduced Christian Wooden shall be out 4 extra weeks with a knee downside. We may even see a return to LeBron James taking part in level heart.
Which means the Lakers might must decide in regards to the heart place. However not as badly because the NBA must decide about Hayes’ potential suspension.
