Despite growing concerns about the Los Angeles Lakers‘ rim protection struggles during their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, head coach JJ Redick made it clear after Game 3 that he is not giving up on Jaxson Hayes just yet.
Redick openly admitted the team’s glaring defensive weakness but maintained that Hayes, despite his underwhelming minutes and impact so far, still has the team’s trust.
Following the Lakers’ 116-104 loss on Friday, Redick said bluntly,
“The fact is we have no rim protection, so if we give up blow-bys, we’re going to give up a three or a shot at the rim… We’ll look at everything but we still believe in Jaxson.”
Hayes’ performance so far in this series has been minimal. He has yet to log double-digit minutes in any of the three games, averaging just 8.7 minutes, 1.7 points, and 1.7 rebounds per contest.
In Game 3 specifically, Hayes played only nine minutes, recording two points and one rebound while posting a -13 plus-minus. His lack of impact was evident as the Timberwolves relentlessly attacked the rim, finishing with a 56-26 advantage in points in the paint.
The Lakers’ defensive woes have been magnified since they traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic at the deadline.
Although they initially stayed afloat with improved perimeter defense and energy lineups, the absence of a true shot-blocking presence has been brutally exposed by Minnesota’s size and physicality.
Hayes, despite his 7-foot frame and athleticism, has not provided the rim deterrence that Redick’s defensive system desperately needs right now.
Yet Redick’s continued support for Hayes is understandable when considering the Lakers’ limited options. Their “small-ball” lineups, featuring Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Rui Hachimura, have struggled badly in this series.
That group holds a net rating of -13.4 across 43 minutes against the Timberwolves and has been particularly vulnerable when the Wolves attack the basket. With no true backup center behind Hayes other than veteran Alex Len, who has barely played, Redick’s faith in Hayes is partially out of necessity.
There were attempts to address the issue midseason. The Lakers tried to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline, but the deal was rescinded after Williams reportedly failed his physical.
That left Hayes, a player with raw athletic gifts but inconsistent defensive instincts, as the lone traditional big man in the rotation.
Redick emphasized that defense starts at the point of attack, not just in the paint. He noted that the Lakers’ “god awful” closeouts and perimeter blow-bys were equally responsible for the defensive collapse, stating that if the first line of defense is broken, it inevitably leaves Hayes and the rim exposed.
As the Lakers prepare for a must-win Game 4, Redick faces tough decisions. However, his public backing of Jaxson Hayes signals that while adjustments are on the table, scapegoating Hayes alone is not part of the plan.
For the Lakers to have any chance of salvaging this series, Hayes will need to play with the energy, focus, and discipline that Redick still believes he can provide.
