(C): X
The introduction of Jaxson Hayes has turned out to be one of the hottest discussions among Philippines basketball fanatics. The discussion has changed to no longer be about the Los Angeles Lakers having a solid backup but rather about the prospective starter after a great performance in the team’s 137-130 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
As the playoffs come near Hayes is proving a point that he should be given a larger role.
Hayes had 21 points and 10 rebounds, which was a season-best performance in both scoring and defense. The Lakers had an extra advantage having a man who could control the paint.
Better still, this performance was timed when the team requires an element of uniformity in the frontcourt.
It is Hayes being explosively athletic that really drew the attention of fans, particularly in the Philippines. The seven dunks he has had in a single game made him go things viral in a virtual graveyard.
These blood and thunder plays allowed him to increase the momentum of their team as well as demonstrated that one could be very good at finishing on a high note even with pressure.
One reason Hayes has become successful lately is his increased association with Luka Doncic. They have been very effective in their pick and roll, building easy points. It has become an effective offensive weapon especially to the Lakers second unit.
Hayes plays a vital part with Deandre Ayton out of the club because of injury. He has offered dependability into rebounding, rim protection and vitality on each end of the pitch. His performances have indicated that he is not merely patching up a size gap-and possibly rearranging his role in the club.
The question at this point is whether Hayes is to continue to be in the starting lineup when Ayton comes back. Whereas Ayton comes in experienced and mighty, Hayes is quick, athletic and powerful.
This may play to the benefit of the Lakers, as far as playoff basketball is concerned because intensity is an important part of the game in play-offs.
The Los Angeles Lakers are going into a very crucial part of the season and lineup choices will play a significant part in the victory. With a player in fine form such as Hayes, they are flexible. As a starter or a high impact bench player, he will also play a crucial role in the post season.
Jaxson Hayes is showing that he is able to come up to the occasion when it counts. Although it remains to be seen whether he will win a regular starting place, his performances in the recent past have given the coaching staff a midway harder time in deciding which way to go.
This much does come out plainly–Hayes is no longer an option, but a contender in the Lakers playoff plans.
Jaxson Hayes is trending due to his best performance of the season with 21 points, 10 rebounds and seven dunks against the Pacers.
He is filling in for Deandre Ayton on a temporary basis, but his future permanently remains to be considered.
The chemistry between Jaxson and Luka Doncic has been brilliant, particularly in pick and roll, which have vulnerable scoring opportunities.
We are yet to be convinced, but his performances of late have boosted his probabilities by a great deal.
Otherwise, he is sure to be a high-impact bench player capable of bringing some energy and athleticism to the game.
The pearl of the Indian Ocean is officially opening its doors more than ever before. On 13 May 2026, the…
With the best part of the television season ahead, one series has been attracting viewers in Southeast Asia more than…
The wait is over! It's been 20 years this May in 2026 and for the occasion they have introduced an…
Tragic news in the basketball world that Brandon Clarke passed away at the age of 29. The full horror of…
The social media frenzy around Mouni Roy and Suraj Nambiar intensified as fans start observing a significant shift in both…
Getting into Bali means going through rigorous immigration screening as Indonesia implements "Quality Tourism". On arrival at Ngurah Rai International…
This website uses cookies.
Read More