A year can make a big difference in the NBA, especially for the Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, the Lakers took a chance on Cam Reddish and Christian Wood, hoping for high rewards with low risks. However, Jaxson Hayes, who wasn’t as well-known as Reddish and Wood, has now emerged as a top priority for the team.
According to reports, if the Lakers need to make a cost-cutting move, Wood and Reddish would be the most likely candidates to be let go. The team is said to prioritize keeping Hayes over the other two players. This decision might seem surprising at first, but there are good reasons behind it.
Hayes, a bouncy big man, may not have had the quickest start with the Lakers, but his role expanded as the season went on. His energy, athleticism, and ability to play alongside stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis make him a valuable asset to the team.
As a classic rim-runner, Hayes excels in the paint, whether it’s catching lobs on offense or protecting the basket on defense. The Lakers have wisely focused on maximizing his strengths by limiting his three-point attempts, resulting in an impressive 72 percent shooting rate.
Looking ahead, the Lakers’ offense is expected to become more perimeter-oriented under new coach JJ Redick. This shift should create more opportunities for Hayes to showcase his athleticism and dunking abilities, which complement the playing styles of James and Davis.
While Wood and Reddish bring different skills to the table, Hayes’ game seems to mesh better with the Lakers’ star duo. Wood’s methodical approach and Reddish’s inconsistent three-point shooting may not align as seamlessly with the team’s strategy moving forward.
At just 24 years old, Hayes still has room to grow and improve his game. His potential for development, combined with his existing strengths, makes him a valuable asset that the Lakers are keen on retaining. Despite initial expectations, Hayes has proven himself to be a key player for the team’s future success.