2019 NBA Mock Draft: RJ Barrett moves back to No. 2
C. Texas. Jaxson Hayes. 11. player. 20.
We’re just going to treat the Lakers like we treat the Celtics in this space: Either they will take a clear draft-night faller to infuse their Anthony Davis trade package with as much talent as possible or they will end up with a player they like so much that they try to keep him. Hayes is the exact type of player who checks both boxes and keeps Los Angeles flexible.
The Lakers probably wouldn’t give Hayes a second look if they hadn’t traded Ivica Zubac for nothing at the trade deadline, but now they need a center. Much like it was unreasonable to expect LeBron James to play center with a bunch of young guys, it’s unlikely Davis would want to operate as the sole big. He’s never been open to it.
Los Angeles can either go bargain-bin shopping again and bring in the next JaVale McGee or truly invest at the position with Hayes. The freshman joined many of his fellow 2019 draft classmates in skipping the NIT, meaning our last impression of him was a two-point, two-rebound clunker against Kansas in the first round of the Big 12 tourney.
However, it would be silly to forget the patience and skill he showed on defense all year. Hayes is methodical and overwhelming in the way he controls the interior. His style and impact are reminiscent of former Longhorn Jarrett Allen. He is a descendant of Rudy Gobert.
The Lakers are likely too present-minded to do their diligence in the draft. But Hayes would help them a whole lot.