Jackson Hayes highlights LA’s ‘complementary’ strength

LOS ANGELES – After last season’s disappointing playoff collapse in the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was widely agreed that Los Angeles Lakers a major upgrade was needed at the center position. However, center could actually be a position of strength for the Lakers this season, and Jackson Hayes believes that each player compliments each other well.

After the Lakers’ win against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Jackson Hayes talked about how his center trio, Deandre Ayton and Maki glue they compliment each other with the different skills each brings to the court. Hayes returned to the lineup after serving a one-game suspension for pushing the Washington Wizards mascot last week.

“We all just do our different things, and I feel like it just kind of complements each other,” Hayes said. “Like in games when it’s me and DA (Deandre), in the rotation, DA gets this middle (midrange), then all of a sudden guys start stepping up and I’m getting those rolls behind. When it’s me and Maxie, Maxie gets that three shot, and as soon as that starts happening, I get my rolls. And that’s nice. It’s both ways. they can always count.”

During the Lakers’ win against the Warriors, Ayton did not play because of a knee problem. Hayes started in his place, and Kleber provided the reserve center minutes. It was the second straight game in which Kleber made an impact, and the second straight in which he closed out the fourth quarter.

Kleber provided the threat of choice, generally setting strong screens, rebounding and even showing some playmaking. Against the 76ers, he had one of his most well-rounded games of the season with four points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals for a team-high plus-23.

“I’ve seen this since he was in Dallas, when I was in New Orleans playing against him, he would always have good games,” Hayes said. “And he was one of those guys, when I played with Zion (Williamson), he was one of the only guys I ever saw really stop him like that. Maxey was like that, and he just stayed fit and just tried to get back healthy. We got him last year and I’m really happy to see him out there.”

For Hayes, he has appeared in 42 games for the Lakers this season, including five starts, logging just over 17 minutes per game. He averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 77.5 percent from the field.

Ayton appeared in 45 games with just over 28 minutes per game. He averaged 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while shooting 67.6 percent from the field.

Kleber appeared in 26 games, including one start, with just over 11 minutes per game. He averaged 2.1 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent from the field, 22.2 percent from the 3-point line and 72.2 percent from the free throw line.