Lakers' Jaxson Hayes Could Return from Injury vs. Cavs; Has Been Out Since November

The Los Angeles Lakers should get a boost to their lineup very soon.

Jaxson Hayes told Dave McMenamin of ESPN that he could return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Hayes has not played since November due to a right ankle injury. McMenamin reported that he is doing "5-on-5 with contact in practice" and that he will play if his ankle continues to "progress."

Hayes has averaged 6.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 11 games for the Lakers this season. He only started one game but his return could do wonders for a team in need of more depth down low.

Anthony Davis has been the main center for the Lakers this season and has averaged 25.7 points and 11.4 rebounds. However, shifting some of his minutes over to power forward would help ease his load and a player like Hayes gives the team a stable presence to do that.

It would also ease the load on LeBron James and help the Lakers move forward. The team is currently 17-13 and in sixth place in the Western Conference.