Lakers center to miss time with ankle injury amid NBA investigation

Hayes after spraining his left ankle in training I miss the next one to two weeks. before being re-evaluated by the team’s medical staff. The center is playing 17.5 minutes as Anthony Davis’ backup, but some question whether Hayes should play.

NBA Restarted the investigation It escalated into a 2021 domestic violence incident in which Hayes yelled, pushed and spit at his then-girlfriend, then broke objects and flipped furniture over. New investigation launched after TMZ Security camera footage released The altercation that ended with LAPD officers collar and arrest He allegedly pushed a police officer.

The Lakers 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 charges of false imprisonment and resisting an officer. HE took one sentence He received three years probation, 450 hours of community service and a year of weekly online classes on domestic violence, but the NBA did not consider further punishment.

Now that there is damning footage, Hayes could face more punishment. The NBA has been criticized for its handling of domestic violence issues, particularly that of Charles Barkley questioned Commissioner Adam Silver before the broadcast of last season’s opener.

Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets did not play in the 2022-23 season and was suspended for 10 games last season due to domestic violence allegations against the mother of his children. He signed a $75 million contract this summer. Kevin Porter Jr. was traded and waived before last season for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, eventually pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of harassment and reckless assault. The Los Angeles Clippers signed him this summer.

While Hayes plays for the Lakers every night, with footage of his abusive behavior readily available, it seems the NBA doesn’t care about domestic violence. It’s also unclear what else the league needs to see with 10 days left until the investigation begins.

The Lakers don’t have many options if Hayes misses time due to an ankle injury or a possible suspension. There’s Christian Koloko, who played in two NBA games after being medically cleared for blood clotting issues. On Tuesday, the team announced that Christian Wood would be leaving the team four more weeks having knee problems. We may see LeBron James return to the point center.

This means the Lakers may have to make a decision regarding the center position. But it’s not as bad as the NBA’s decision on Hayes’ potential suspension should be.