The NBA regular season continues, and today the Lakers host the Timberwolves, who lost 117-127 to the Timberwolves. In this game, James decided not to play in this game today due to physical discomfort before the game. And Davis was injured after 12 minutes of play when he was hit in the eye by Timberwolves player Kyle Lee. This game is a game without James and Davis, and the Lakers have not been able to beat the Timberwolves for being understandable.
It is worth noting that after Davis's injury today, Hayes replaced Davis as the team's No. 5 position, and today Hayes played a total of 33 minutes, scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 1 block on 8-of-9 shooting. This data can be said to be very comprehensive. With Davis injured and Gobert on the opposite side, he was able to score 19 points that really surprised many fans. Again, this game made the most of his physical gifts and used his bouncing ability. Today I was very decisive and had a very good effect.
Although Hayes cannot compare with Davis in terms of individual ability, he is also outstanding in athleticism. If the Lakers can give Hayes a better delivery of the ball on the guard line, his finishing efficiency under the basket will be very high. Because when he jumps into the air, according to his bounce height, it is difficult for the opponent to defend unless he pays a foul. Hayes is the type of player who doesn't have the ability to attack independently, and he needs his teammates to connect more, but if he has a good teammate who can connect him, he can play well on the offensive end every game. Hayes has been doing well this season with limited playing time.
After today's game, Russell also talked about Hayes's performance, and Russell thinks that Hayes may get a big contract this offseason. Hayes's contract will fully expire as a free agent this offseason, and it may be difficult for the Lakers to keep him. The Lakers have always been a team that has avoided paying the luxury tax as much as possible, and if the Lakers choose to keep Hayes this offseason, they will have to give him a pay rise. Lakers management probably wouldn't have made such a decision.
Although Hayes performed well in this game, the Lakers also had some problems, that is, their stability on the outside, especially Russell and Reaves when they were being defended by the opponent, their stability remains to be seen. Every game in the playoffs is a tough game, and every game is full of physical confrontation. It may not be Russell and Reaves who will actually play in the playoffs, but more James and Davis, who will be the key factor in determining how far the Lakers can go.