LOS ANGELES – Back during the preseason, the Los Angeles Lakers ’ bench unit, mostly composed of Jaxson Hayes , Jarred Vanderbilt and Marcus Smart all played key roles during the team’s final preseason game, a win against the Golden State Warriors. Since the regular season has begun, that trio hasn’t had much time on the court for the Lakers due to injuries.

Jaxson Hayes suffered a knee injury and was out of the Lakers’ lineup for three games. He recently made his return during the team’s win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Smart suffered a quad injury last Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, and missed two straight games. He is set to make his return to the lineup on Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Vanderbilt was moved into the starting lineup due to the Lake

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