Jaxson Hayes Confident in Playing Alongside Deandre Ayton
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to start the regular season with a new lineup featuring Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. This game will take place on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.
Deandre Ayton: The Starting Center
Deandre Ayton is firmly positioned as the starting center for the Lakers. His role is crucial as the team looks to fortify its defense this season. Last season’s struggles have raised concerns about their defensive capabilities.
Jaxson Hayes’ Role as a Backup
Jaxson Hayes will assume the backup position. He expressed confidence in potentially playing alongside Ayton in a two-big-man setup. Hayes has experience from his time with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played power forward.
Jaxson Hayes on Playing Alongside Deandre Ayton
When asked about his ability to pair with Ayton, Hayes responded affirmatively. He recalled starting at the 4 for the Pelicans when they made the playoffs. Hayes believes that their combined skills can make for an effective short-term strategy.
- Experience: Hayes started at the power forward position during his third year.
- Playoff Qualifiers: The Pelicans qualified for playoffs with Jonas Valanciunas.
Offensive Limitations and Future Plans
While Ayton can contribute with mid-range jump shots, Hayes has shown limitations offensively. Coach JJ Redick has previously experimented with utilizing both players on the court together. However, there are no current plans to implement this strategy consistently.
In conclusion, as the Lakers prepare for the season opener, Hayes remains optimistic about his potential collaboration with Ayton. Their combined presence could add depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt, provided the coaching staff decides to explore this option. The upcoming game against the Warriors will be a significant test for the new lineup.
