Jaxson Hayes out 1-2 weeks with ankle sprain in latest injury setback for Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes expected to miss 1-2 weeks due to an ankle sprain.

The New Orleans Pelicans have announced that center Jaxson Hayes will miss 1-2 weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain.

Hayes suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Pelicans’ 112-100 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

The 21-year-old is averaging 9.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this season.

Pelicans coach Willie Green said Hayes would undergo an MRI on Tuesday for further evaluation.

Green said he did not know how long Hayes would be out, but he would miss at least the next two games.

The Pelicans are already without Zion Williamson, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Brandon Ingram is also questionable for Wednesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks with a toe injury.

The latest injury to Hayes is a blow to the Pelicans, who are already struggling to stay afloat in the Western Conference.

The Pelicans are currently 11th in the West with a 23-25 record.

They are 3.5 games behind the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers for the final play-in spot.