The Los Angeles Lakers made a lowkey signing by getting Jaxson Hayes.
Hayes never found his footing with the New Orleans Pelicans and was caught in some off-court controversies, but he’s still quite young and has a sky-high upside as a rim protector.
Despite not being a starter, he probably could’ve gotten more money somewhere else.
However, he claims he chose the Lakers because the team would give him the best shot at winning.
“Personally for my career and just to help me win, and help whatever team I go join win, I thought that the Lakers would be the best fit for me.” Jaxson Hayes expresses the importance of winning as his reason for choosing the #LakeShow. pic.twitter.com/HrPYmKerFq
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) July 7, 2023
Notably, the Lakers could have one of the best rim-protecting and shot-blocking duos in the league with him and Anthony Davis on the floor.
He’s an elite athlete who can jump through the roof and who’ll get plenty of highlight reel dunks and alley-oops with LeBron James’ playmaking.
Also, joining a team full of veterans might be just what he needs to mature and take a step forward in his development, as he may have been a little distracted during his days in the Big Easy.
The Lakers needed someone who could guard Nikola Jokic, and Hayes might not exactly be the right guy to do that.
But his athletic traits and shot-blocking skills could grant him plenty of playing time on Darvin Ham’s team, and he’s still young enough to get himself a big contract after this year runs out, so he did well by signing this ‘prove-it’ kind of deal.
Also, his presence there will allow Davis to continue playing at his preferred power forward position, as opposed to being the team’s De facto center.
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