• The Los Angeles Lakers added Jaxson Hayes to the roster this summer
• The former Pelicans center could be a starter on the roster alongside Anthony Davis for two-big situations
• Hayes is coming off averaging a career-high 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game
The Lakers made one of the most under-the-radar signings of the summer when they picked up former Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes for cheap on the free agency market.
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha has revealed that Hayes is not only the backup center behind Anthony Davis, but the team is hoping to play them together in double-big lineups when required.
“That’s before mentioning Jaxson Hayes, who the team is confident can start and play a prominent role with Davis in two-big lineups.”
Hayes averaged 9.3 points and 4,5 rebounds on limited action last season. The center has had many off-court issues that have negatively impacted his time with the Pelicans. In the far more demanding setup alongside LeBron James and AD on the Lakers, Hayes will have no choice but to sink or swim.
Positional Flaws In The Lakers’ Roster
Wanting to play a two-big system like they did in 2020 en route to the title is completely understandable. Teams are embracing two-big lineups more often, though they can’t work as your primary lineup. It’s good to have it as an option and the Lakers’ defense-first lineups will most probably feature Hayes and AD in the frontcourt with LeBron as the forward.
Unfortunately, the Lakers have little to no big-man depth right now. Hayes and AD are the only players that play the center position on the Lakers, with Jarred Vanderbilt as another possible option.
Regardless, the team needs to use its last roster spot on adding another center. Christian Wood would be the perfect fit, as Wood addresses offensive concerns from the big men on the roster.
He averaged 16.6 points and 7.3 rebounds last season but his reputation as a ‘losing player’ will continue haunting him until he can give a contending team actually useful minutes. The Lakers may be the team that needs him the most and he needs them badly as well.
