Los Angeles Lakers have been looking for a center who can play alongside Anthony Davis. They have done a great job this offseason in maintaining balance and stability in the roster. The team has also learned an essential lesson in terms of the value of balance to a team’s roster. Hence, the Lakers’ front office was looking at options like Malik Beasley, Christian Wood, and so on to bring to the team. One of them can take some pressure off the eight-time All-Star.
Hence, the chances of sustaining a stress injury like last season will be much less. However, the Lakers had a few players on their roster, after they did a great job this offseason, who can play alongside Anthony Davis. For instance, big men like Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes can be the prime reserves for Anthony Davis. But the question was regarding Jaxson’s experience and skill set.
Lakers Are Confident That Jaxson Hayes Can Do Well Alongside AD
As per recent reports from Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are willing to show faith in the young big man. Moreover, they might not only give Jaxson Hayes a chance to be in the starting lineup but also to play alongside Anthony Davis. Jovan Buha wrote that the Lakers are confident about Jaxson’s participation in starting lineup and feel he can play a prominent role alongside the eight-time All-Star. Rob Pelinka signed Jaxson Hayes for a two-year contract with a player option in his second year. The Athletic young big man has an average of 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds so far in his career.
He can also shoot 62.2% from the field. The journey of Jaxson Hayes started being a lottery pick back in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, this offseason, New Orleans Pelicans let him move toward free agency. If the Lakers really play the duo of Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes, it can prove lethal for them. With both these players’ size and athleticism, they can be nightmares for any team’s defense. Moreover, AD can move as the power forward when the Lakers meet bigger opponents. This Laker’s roster resembles the 2019-20 roster that won their 17th title.
The LA Side Has Learned The Lesson On The Value Of Balance In Their Roster
Last season due to a lack of balance, the LA side almost missed out on another opportunity to make the postseason. They had not made the previous postseason. Hence, it was crucial for the Laker’s reputation not to miss out on back-to-back postseasons. That’s exactly what the Laker’s front office ensured they don’t do. The players who came in before the February trade deadline brought a new culture to the locker room of the 17-time champions.
Gradually, they made the postseason even without LeBron James for a month. However, Anthony Davis led the side pretty well. Hence, the Lakers Nation hopes to see AD play as many games as possible. For that, the eight-time All-Star needs to stay healthy for as long as possible. If he sustains any more severe injury, Anthony Davis can miss another twenty games on the trot like in 2022-23. That would push the Lakers further back.