Jaxson Hayes’ Los Angeles Lakers Journey: A Career Resurgence?

In 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Jaxson Hayes as the No. 8 overall lottery pick, acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks. However, Hayes’s performance during his four seasons with the Pelicans left much to be desired. Despite his potential as an athletic big man with defensive prowess, he struggled to make a lasting impression on his original franchise.

This offseason, Jaxson Hayes made a significant move by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Law Murray of The Athletic believes that this transition could mark the beginning of a career resurgence for Hayes in the City of Angels.

Under the leadership of head coach Willie Green, Hayes found himself falling out of favor in the Pelicans’ rotation. However, with his arrival in Los Angeles, Hayes appears poised to play a pivotal role in the Lakers’ frontcourt, alongside another new signing, Christian Wood.

The primary expectation is that both Hayes and Wood will serve as backups to the Lakers’ star player, Anthony Davis. Davis recently inked a new contract extension this offseason, solidifying his commitment to the team. However, should the Lakers decide to revert to a two-big system, reminiscent of past seasons, Jaxson Hayes could find himself stepping into a more prominent role.

While Hayes has experience as a starter, it is evident that he has yet to live up to the expectations set for him as the 8th overall pick four seasons ago. Nonetheless, in this new environment with greater ambitions, the former Longhorn player will be afforded ample opportunities to alter the narrative surrounding his career. A successful season with the Lakers could open doors to new prospects in the NBA for Jaxson Hayes, who is determined to prove his worth.

As Hayes embarks on this new chapter in his basketball journey, all eyes will be on the young athlete, eager to witness whether he can indeed breathe new life into his career and become an essential part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of excellence.