JJ Redick gave assessment of Jaxson Hayes’ year after win over Pelicans
After getting benched within the Lakers’ playoff sequence final year, most assumed Jaxson Hayes’ enjoying days in LA had been finished.
I’ve put on 20 pounds to provide himself some extra power, and it is paid off. Hayes is having a productive year for the Lakers, averaging 6.7 factors per recreation whereas taking pictures a career-best 77% from the sphere. He’s achieved this whereas additionally embracing a backup function.
It appears Hayes is prepared to do no matter it takes to win, and he displayed that within the team’s victory over the Pelicans. Hayes ended up closing out the sport, with Lakers head coach JJ Redick selecting him over his different middle choice, Deandre Ayton.
During Redick’s postgame media availability, he made positive Hayes received the popularity he deserved.
“Jaxson’s had a really good season,” Redick mentioned. “I know 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 that, frankly, he consistently injects energy into the group when he runs the floor, blocks a shot or gets those dunks.”
It would’ve been utterly comprehensible if Hayes did not return to LA. And much more relatable if he simply got here right here to do what he is at all times finished and concentrate on enjoying nicely sufficient to earn one other contract elsewhere.
Instead, Hayes pushed to get higher and be a real crew participant. He has taken benefit of each alternative and because of his play, there have been a handful of shut video games the place he was one of the 5 gamers on the ground serving to the Lakers win.
Hayes is setting an instance of selflessness and the methods it could actually profit the person in addition to the crew. This is an excellent season for Hayes thus far, and maybe he is even making a case to be LA’s beginning middle.
Regardless of his function, what’s identified now could be that he is a participant the Lakers can belief. He has educated himself as a member of the rotation and, come playoff time, if he retains enjoying like this, he’ll stay on the ground as an impactful participant for Los Angeles.
