Jaxson Hayes :The Los Angeles Lakers aimed to strengthen their center position last offseason, especially to support Anthony Davis if he were sidelined. General manager Rob Pelinka achieved this by signing Hayes and Christian Wood.
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Wood has been out of action since February 14, leaving Hayes Makes Move to Lakers, No Regrets as the sole big man behind Davis, increasing pressure on the All-Star to avoid foul trouble.
During a recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Davis sustained a facial injury and was unable to continue, leading Hayes to step up.
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The 23-year-old seized the opportunity, showcasing his skills in pick-and-roll plays with D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds, highlighted by powerful dunks.
Jaxson Hayes emphasized his decision to sign
When asked if he regretted joining the Lakers due to limited playing time earlier in the season, Hayes emphasized his decision to sign with the team to play alongside stars like LeBron James, Davis, Russell, and Reaves.
He affirmed that joining the Lakers was the right move for him and expressed no regrets.
Hayes primarily fulfills a role involving setting screens and rolling to the basket, although he has faced challenges with foul trouble due to illegal screens in his limited minutes.
He discussed his progress in mastering screen-setting techniques and understanding the preferences of his teammates, aiming to become a reliable lob threat for Lakers’ ball-handlers.
His continuous growth alongside established stars like James and Davis is encouraging, and there’s still room for improvement, especially if the Lakers secure a playoff spot.
With Wood likely sidelined for the remainder of the season, Hayes has an excellent opportunity to showcase his value.
D’Angelo Russell Foresees Lucrative Future for Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes
Upon joining the Lakers, Hayes signed a two-year minimum contract with a player option for the second year. However, considering his recent performances, he may opt out of his contract.
Russell predicts that Hayes, given his recent form, could secure a substantial contract in free agency this summer, indicating a potentially lucrative future for the former Texas Longhorn.
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