The Lakers nearly flipped the script on Saturday, cutting the deficit and making it look like they might just pull off another win over the Celtics this season. But then, the fourth quarter became a nightmare for the visitors as LeBron James exited with a groin injury. And by the end of the night, it was Boston who grabbed the win. However, it wasn’t LeBron’s absence that threw the Lakers off. No, it was the absence of a 24-year-old that handed the Celtics the advantage, believes the ESPN veteran.

In the latest episode of The Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst discussed the Celtics vs Lakers game and what led to the Purple and Gold’s 8-game winning streak coming to an end. “They’re absolutely flying high, they look great. Jaxson Hayes going down really affected them,” the reporter claimed.

Digging deep into the details of the game, Windy said, “When you watch this game, even though Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play for the Celtics, you could very clearly tell the Celtics’ game plan was to take advantage of the Lakers’ lack of size in the interior. I mean, LeBron was playing center for big stretches of the game. Luka was playing center at times out there… Frankly, they’re just really thin with big bodies. I felt that they lost the game because of their lack of offense.”

Since Anthony Davis’ departure, the Lakers have struggled to fill the center position. That’s when Jaxson Hayes was brought in from the bench and given the bigger responsibility. He understood his role and stepped up as needed. Head coach JJ Redick started him in the previous five back-to-backs. During that stretch, Hayes’ averages improved to 8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and a steal per game. His presence made the team appear stronger.

However, Hayes was dropped from the roster before the matchup against the Celtics because of a right knee contusion. That ruined the team’s rhythm. LeBron James and Luka Doncic both tried to fill that gap at the TD Garden, but it ultimately hurt the Lakers’ offense. They just couldn’t generate enough points and the Celtics ended up getting the upper hand in the 111-101 win.

Fortunately, Hayes’ condition isn’t too serious. According to Dave McMenamin’s X post, “He (Redick) said that the Lakers have been monitoring swelling in Hayes’ knee but hopes the center will be back soon. Redick did not name the starter in Hayes’ place.” But it’s LeBron that the Lakers need to focus on, as their path to the postseason will be a lot tougher without the 40-year-old.

Reporter highlights importance of LeBron James for Lakers’ postseason success

The Lakers have had a smooth ride lately. From not being considered a team that could enter the postseason to climbing the top tier of the Western table. But now, the tougher road ahead will begin, where one misstep could cost them greatly. At this point, McMenamin suggests they stay focused on their top priority.

“Now it’s a different math that we’re talking about for the remainder of the season,” he said on the podcast. “It’s about what you can do to perhaps still host a first-round playoff series, while the biggest priority is having LeBron James right for the start of the postseason.”

Reportedly, LeBron James will need a week or two to recover before being re-evaluated. While he believes the team can compete against anyone and Luka Doncic has emphasized the “next-man-up mentality,” there’s no denying how much stronger and more boosted the squad feels with the 4x champion on the court. So, the Lakers will have to hope for King James to return to the throne and lead them on the road to the championship.