Jaxson Hayes, suddenly a critical part of the Lakers’ plans, exited because of a facial contusion after only seven minutes. The injury forced the Lakers to lean on new center Alex Len, who struggled on both ends of the court in his first game after signing Tuesday for the remainder of the season and finished with just four points.

Luka Dončić is still shaking off the rust after missing six weeks with a calf injury, while at the same time trying to get acclimated with his new Los Angeles Lakers teammates after a sloppy performance in Wednesday's 131-119 loss to the Utah Jazz.