The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling with a lack of depth at the center position. Anthony Davis has been playing at an MVP-level, but after him, the team only has Jaxson Hayes as a true center. Hayes has some strengths, but also has limitations.
During a game against the Toronto Raptors, Davis had to leave in the third quarter after taking a shot to the eye from Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. This left the Lakers relying on Hayes, who was ready to step up in his absence.
Hayes said, “Oh, for sure,” when asked about bringing energy once Davis went down. “Currently it’s just me and him as our two 5’s, so as soon as I saw him down, I knew I had to start getting ready and prepare for that.”
In the game, Hayes scored 12 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and blocked 1 shot, playing a key role in the Lakers’ second-half comeback win over the Raptors. While the points were helpful without Davis, Hayes focused more on filling the defensive role Davis usually handles.
“Just communication. Trying to pick up where Anthony Davis left off,” Hayes explained. “He’s such a presence down by the hoop and as a rim protector, so I just have to pick up that gap for us.”
Hayes also emphasized the importance of being mentally prepared before the game, staying ready, and knowing his opponents. “I just always tell myself to know my matchup,” he said. “I gotta know the starting big, the backup big, the third string big. So if anyone comes in, I know what I’m doing.
I gotta know the guards in case I get switched onto a guard. So for me, it’s just knowing your personnel and stay ready, stay locked in. You never know when your name is gonna be called, you never know when somebody is gonna get hurt or something so you just gotta stay locked in at all times.”
Hayes plays an important role for the Lakers. His ability to bring energy and activity, especially when Davis is unavailable, is a key factor for the team.
Jaxson Hayes is also very thankful for the opportunity to play basketball. When he’s on the court, he shows a lot of joy and enthusiasm. He’s just happy to be playing the game he loves.
“Shoot, God blessed me with a lot of amazing things so every day that I get to come out here and play the game I love, I’m gonna do it,” Hayes said.
“That’s my whole thing. I just caught a big whiff of energy from the guys, we started making that little comeback and that was really it for me. I just love playing.”
