Lakers News: How Pundit Feels About LA's High-Upside New Big Man
If you were to ask most NBA people about how the Los Angeles Lakers free agency went, they would likely label them as winners. The team executed their plan of continuity to perfection and added in some players around the edges to improve the roster. But still, the biggest weakness of this team is likely the thin rotation of big men that they have available. They still have Anthony Davis and did sign former New Orleans Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes but that's all they have.
The signing of Hayes brings strong upside to the table but it's still a question mark. He wasn't that great with the Pelicans last season as he saw his minutes cut. But he is still very young and is uber athletic so there is something there that LA believes they can unlock.
It was a smart signing for both sides as Hayes can use the Lakers to try and bring his value around the league up and LA gets a low risk, high-reward type player at the center spot. The NBA staff at Bleacher Report gave this signing a letter grade of B, likely due to the unknown of Hayes.
"For now, perfecting a role as a rim protector, rebounder and lob-finisher should earn Hayes a spot in the rotation immediately. This is a low-risk option for the Lakers, and Hayes gets a player option in Year 2 if he outperforms this deal and wants to test the market again next summer."
All the Lakers are going to ask from Hayes this season will be to be a lob threat around the basket and a rim defender on defense. It'll be similar to how the team used former Lakers center Dwight Howard back in the 2020 season.
Hayes should be able to handle the role that LA will give him and if he can do that, he may be able to land an even bigger deal the next time he enters free agency. Overall, this is a win-win for both sides.
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