The Lakers might have a disgruntled player on their hands after JJ Redick’s decision to bench him during the playoffs has reportedly upset him.
The offseason has already begun for the Los Angeles Lakers, and Rob Pelinka has decisions to make. Their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves showed some pretty glaring roster holes.
Rumors and talk about the Lakers are always wild. Bill Simmons has proposed two LeBron James trades involving the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fans are excited by Luka Doncic’s recent Real Madrid appearance. And there has also been chatter from Austin Reaves’ agent, who warned fans that want to trade him.
Through all these interesting stories, the main issue for the Lakers is size. And while they’ve been linked with some big men, it seems they’ve managed to anger the one serviceable big on their roster.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesJaxson Hayes is reportedly upset as he thinks his postseason minutes could cost him money
Jaxson Hayes looked like he could be a good NBA center after the Lakers acquired Doncic. In the 18 games after Doncic’s debut, he averaged 9.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Despite his decent production during LA’s run to achieve the third seed, Hayes’ minutes disappeared in the postseason. JJ Redick chose to keep him benched. This could now become a problem for the Lakers.
“In terms of returning talent, sources say there is an outside chance of Jaxson Hayes returning,” Anthony Irwin wrote for ClutchPoints.
“But he wasn’t thrilled about his role disappearing in the postseason and the money he lost as his minutes dwindled.
“From the Lakers’ perspective, they’re weighing Redick losing faith in him, how he might handle them bringing in his replacement, or the inevitable demotion he’d be in line for this summer.”
The Lakers need a better big man than Jaxson Hayes
Having Hayes as a backup center would be big for LA, but they cannot afford for him to be the starter. The 25-year-old is decent, but not more than that.
In his six NBA seasons, Jaxson has averaged 6.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. These numbers are far from ideal, considering that he was the 8th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
If LA truly wishes to maximize Luka, they need to get a better starting center. A Bam Adebayo trade involving the Miami Heat has already been suggested, although that would be unlikely.
Doncic becomes a nigh-unstoppable offensive engine when he gets a lob threat. And while Hayes is that, there isn’t much more to his game. It will be interesting to see how Rob Pelinka navigates this situation.