The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make many additions in free agency.
They decided to keep most of their core together and add some minor reinforcements for depth and certain matchups.
Notably, that didn’t seem to be the case with Jaxson Hayes.
Some expected the former New Orleans Pelicans big man to start alongside Anthony Davis, being a solid complement as a rim-protecting, rim-running big with a knack for offensive rebounds and swiping the glass.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t been on the floor as often as expected, but he’s been quite efficient on a per-minute basis.
That’s why D’Angelo Russell praised him for stepping up without Anthony Davis in the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading sports analyst Kevin Wildes to call him a top-five underrated player in this league.
Jaxson Hayes is top 5 most underrated player https://t.co/FtXAvoKJ6r
— Wildes (@kevinwildes) April 8, 2024
That makes some sense.
There aren’t many athletic freaks who can run the floor in just a couple of steps, swat a shot into the stands, and then finish the break with an alley-oop on the other end of the floor.
Hayes brings plenty of energy to the table, and he’s proven to be a dominant rebounder when given enough time to play.
Granted, he’s not a star and will never be one, but defense-minded energetic big men are also valuable assets in today’s game.
The Lakers have had a revolving door at the backup center position since LeBron James arrived in Hollywood, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see them let him walk in free agency.
Still, he may not find much trouble getting a new deal somewhere else.
NEXT: Skip Bayless Questions Darvin Ham’s Update About Anthony Davis' Injury
