The Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-2 preseason record into their Sunday afternoon matchup versus the new and improved Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks made the blockbuster trade of the summer a couple of weeks ago when they shipped out Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen for future Hall of Fame guard Damian Lillard. Yet they still have much of the core that won the 2021 NBA championship, including Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis Jr. and, of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
One of the Lakers’ offseason additions that has flown somewhat under the radar is big man Jaxson Hayes. Hayes has the ability to be a big-time shot blocker, and he showed why in the second quarter on Sunday when he rejected Portis’ attempt near the rim.
JAXSON DENIAL pic.twitter.com/jClUEImhqA
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 15, 2023
If Hayes plays consistent, fundamental defense and boxes out aggressively, he could be a key member of head coach Darvin Ham’s rotation.