In the latest episode of the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast, Lakers star LeBron James spoke in-depth on the Los Angeles Lakers and where they stand at this point in the season. James also called out big man Jaxson Hayes, who has held the keys to the Lakers’ frontcourt since the departure of Anthony Davis.
“I gotta give a big shoutout and credit to Jaxson Hayes. Him stepping into that void, losing [Anthony Davis] – it’s a lot,” said James. “I think Jaxson was like – ‘I can’t make up for that,’ and we didn’t ask him to make up for that. We needed Jaxson to be high energy, be a force on offense, and a lob threat. Jaxson has been unbelievable in his minutes, and we’re gonna need that from him. We know how it unlocks Luka as well with the lob threat.”
The 24-year-old Jaxson Hayes wasn’t supposed to be the starting center this year, but he got the job by default after the team lost half of their frontcourt rotation. Hayes, who was drafted eighth overall in 2019, has now become the last dependable big man for the Lakers amid a season of change.
For years, Anthony Davis led the frontlines, alongside LeBron James and various centers. Davis made the Lakers an elite defensive team, and he thrived in Los Angeles with averages of 24.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 41.8% shooting.
In 2020, Davis and LeBron won a championship for LA and cemented their place in history as one of the greatest Lakers duos ever. This past season, however, Davis was moved in a shocking blockbuster trade with the Mavericks. In exchange for Davis and Max Christie, the Lakers were able to build for the future with Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber.
The only problem is that it left the Lakers vulnerable in the frontcourt. After they rescinded the trade for Mark Williams, the Lakers were left without a proven starting center, and many experts believe it will be the flaw that leads to their demise.
With averages of 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on 73.1% shooting this season, Hayes’ stats are far from impressive, but it’s been necessary for the Lakers to stay alive. His defense, size, and rebounding have been huge for them in the second half of this season, but it remains to be seen if it’s enough to carry them in the playoffs.
Without a proper starting center, teams will be looking to exploit the Lakers’ thin frontcourt with aggressive interior play. They will take it inside again and again, hoping to expose Hayes every chance they get. So far, Jaxson has handled it like a pro.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic are confident they can figure out a way to open up the floor for all of their teammates, but they’ll need Hayes to deliver on his end of the bargain. So far, he’s off to a great start by making himself useful as a steady and consistent presence around the rim.
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