The Twin Towers: Why Ayton and Hayes Are Critical To The Lakers' Championship Push

The trade that shocked the NBA world last season, when Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic swapped teams, completely transformed the Lakers' identity overnight. But it also created a massive void in the frontcourt that was completely obvious in their first-round playoff matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

While Doncic gives the team a superstar for the present and the future, without Davis’ interior presence, the Lakers suddenly went from having one of the league’s best defensive anchors to having a glaring weakness in the paint. That’s where the free agent signing of Deandre Ayton becomes not just a nice addition, but a necessity. 

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Sure, he’s never really lived up to the expectations that come with being the top overall pick from the 2018 Draft after an impressive 20 and 11 freshman season with the Arizona Wildcats, but there have been glimpses of that ability during his seven-year NBA career. Yet with Doncic and Lebron James on the court, the Lakers don’t need a dominating big man; they just need a steady one. If Ayton can bring his average of 16 points and 10 rebounds each and every night, the Lakers will benefit greatly from his steady, if unspectacular, presence on the floor.

But here is the thing, Ayton can’t do it alone, which might be evident by the fact that he has not once played 82 games and only played 95 games during his two seasons in Portland. This is where Jaxson Hayes steps in. Yes, he was completely relegated to the bench during last season’s playoff collapse, deemed unplayable by JJ Redick when they needed a big man the most. 

However, Hayes did show glimpses of being the type of pick-and-lob threat that Doncic enjoys playing with, finishing the season ranked 12th in dunks with 120. In the 25 games that the two shared the court, Hayes posted three 19-point games and a trio of double-digit rebounding efforts, averaging 8 points and 5.3 boards.   

Flash back two years ago when Doncic was running point with Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively, players similar in talent, build, and athleticism to Ayton and Hayes. The result was an NBA Finals appearance.  If this pairing clicks, the Lakers could finally have the interior presence needed to compete with Denver’s Jokic or go toe-to-toe with Minnesota’s imposing frontcourt. 

This season will be one of redemption for Ayton and Hayes. One will have what might be his last chance to justify his draft pedigree, while the other wants to prove that he is worthy of being on the court when the games matter the most.