This past summer, the Los Angeles Lakers, in desperate need of legitimate big man depth behind Anthony Davis, signed Jaxson Hayes in free agency. They hoped his ability to block shots, finish at the rim and leap like a kangaroo on steroids would bolster their bench.
In the first 10 games of this season, Hayes seemed to have minimal impact when he came in to relieve Davis. The 23-year-old came into Tuesday averaging just 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game.
But he came alive in Tuesday’s 134-107 rout of the Memphis Grizzlies. He blocked three shots. On the other end, he had four dunks, two of which were spectacular. One came off an offensive rebound when he missed a free throw, and another came on a fast break off an assist from Austin Reaves.
Jaxson Hayes | JAM Session.
Literally.
Been waiting for Hayes to have an athletically EXPLOSIVE, smashmouth type of game.
And tonight he detonated.
4 Monster Dunks. 3 Blocks. pic.twitter.com/lyFHZRitH0
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) November 15, 2023
This is the version of Hayes the team needs to seriously contend for the NBA championship this season.
