The Los Angeles Lakers continue to race against Father Time with Anthony Davis and LeBron James getting closer to the end. Yes, both Davis and James had stellar seasons, but how much longer can they truly keep it up?
Bringing back Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves remained a top priority. Thankfully Rob Pelinka delivered, but look no further than Jaxson Hayes as the true key addition in the Lakers free agency.
Jaxson Hayes Will Show Lakers Fans He is the Missing Piece
Excited to have @hayes_jaxson on the squad 💥 pic.twitter.com/ByYH2dSCSK
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 21, 2023
Sign of Approval From The King
Of the many additions the Lakers have made, it can boost the fanbase and front office just enough knowing James is onboard with the moves. However, despite the glaring need to go younger, the Lakers also made it evident they have a huge need for another big man.
LeBron James’ Instagram story on Saturday afternoon featured photos of all the players the Lakers made agreements with in the first day of free agency. Certainly a tacit sign of approval from the L.A. vet entering his 21st season. pic.twitter.com/tieCFXxnHJ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 1, 2023
The days of the dominant big man in the NBA seem to be far in the past, but with the Lakers’ lack of rim protection, it puts them at the mercy of allowing teams to drive and kick to an open 3-point shot. What is truly the answer for the Lakers?
The Lakers continued to struggle shooting the ball yet made it known that they are a force in the dominant Western Conference.
Another Big Man In the Lakers Dynasty?
In comes 23-year-old Jaxson Hayes, a former no. 8 overall pick for the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft. Hayes has yet to live up to his draft hype averaging just 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in his career, but his potential to be a key rim protector for the Lakers is enough to bring some excitement into the organization.
Hayes is listed at 6-foot-11, which immediately makes him the tallest player on the Lakers roster. This can immediately relieve Davis of some playing time and put him back at his prominent role as a power forward, but most of all, Hayes’s athletic ability is what can truly make him shine for the team.
While disappointment continues to loom among the fanbase, Hayes is a cheap young option that immediately fills a need for the Lakers. Playing alongside James will only make Hayes better, with a pass-first mentality in a league where chemistry goes a long way.
The Los Angeles Clippers were lob city, but it’s time for the Lakers to take the crown behind the athletic abilities of Hayes and Davis.
The Last Word
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it doesn’t help knowing James and Davis’ time together with the Lakers is nearing the end. The pressure is on for Hayes to show his capabilities in such a short window.
No one expects Hayes to be the next great Lakers big man, but if there is any place for the big man to show up, it’s within this organization. The Hayes breakout season is coming.
