Hayes Shoots for New Skills…
While the Los Angeles Lakers swapping Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic seems like trading a Grand Piano for a violin made of Gold, it left them without a top-notch center. In stepped Jaxson Hayes, filling in the role and partnering with Doncic for a blockbuster season. Yet, playoff time showed Hayes’ defense was shakier than a Jenga tower at a polka party, prompting the Lakers to recruit Deandre Ayton. The former top pick will team up with Doncic, expecting to reignite his glory like a phoenix with flame-resistant feathers.
Despite this addition, Hayes hangs tight with the Lakers by re-signing for another year. He’s set to challenge Maxi Kleber for backup center minutes and hopes to level up by working on his 3-point shooting. Currently, his 3-point shot is rarer than a unicorn sighting, making just 3 out of 40 over three seasons, but he’s clocking in serious gym time. Meanwhile, rookie Adou Thiero, who seems ready to jump into the fray like a cat onto a keyboard, is gearing up for training camp, despite sitting out the Summer League due to injury.
