LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in a rematch of last season’s opening round playoff series. During that series, Lakers head coach JJ Redick ultimately benched starting center Jaxson Hayes , and the team will be without Hayes for the rematch as he was ruled out due to a knee injury.

“Christian [Koloko] is active,” Redick said during his pregame media availability. “We’ll figure it out based on who is on the floor.”

Jaxson Hayes was officially listed as dealing with knee soreness on the team’s injury report, and his absence leaves a hole in the Lakers’ frontcourt rotation. While Hayes filled in admirably last season as the starting center following Anthony Davis’ departure, he is best suited to a reserve role.

With Haye

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