This isn’t new for Jaxson Hayes.
It was just last year when Hayes, now the Lakers’ backup center, was the team’s full-time starting big man after thefranchise traded Anthony Davis to the Mavericksforcurrent franchise centerpiece Luka Doncic.
And with the trade forMark Williams that was rescinded, Hayes received the most significant playing time for the best team he had been on up to that point of his career.
He delivered for the most part.
Which is why, along with his improvements from the end of last season through three-fourths of this season, the Lakers have confidence in him if they need to rely on him more in light ofstarting center Deandre Ayton being day to day with left knee soreness.
“Jaxson’s had a really good season,” coach JJ Redick said. “And I know (this because) I played with him his first two years — he’s a better basketball player. He’s gotten better. He’s making touch shots around the rim. He’s making great pocket decisions.
“He’s a good basketball player. He consistently injects energy into the group when he runs the floor, blocks a shot or he gets those dunks.”
Ayton’s status for Sunday’s home game against the Knicks wasn’t known as of Saturday afternoon.
The 7-foot Ayton, who has started in all 54 games he’s played this season, sat out ofFriday’s home win over the Pacersafter being limited to 4 ½ minutes inThursday’s road loss to the Nuggets.
But if Hayes, 25, needs to play more against the Knicks, like he did against the Nuggets or Pacers, the Lakers know he’ll be up to the task.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
