Lakers Face Center Dilemma After Anthony Davis Trade

Philadelphia, PA — The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a pivotal moment following the trade of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, leaving Jaxson Hayes as the team’s lone healthy full-time center. With Christian Wood sidelined for the season due to a knee injury and backup centers Christian Koloko and Trey Jemison III on two-way contracts, Hayes is now thrust into the starting role.

Hayes, who has been acting as the starting center, expressed excitement about playing alongside Luka Doncic. “Yeah, obviously it’s really exciting with everything going on,” Hayes said after practice on Wednesday. “We’ll miss our guys AD and Max and J. Hood. But there’s a bunch of changes coming on. A lot of us guys have to take full advantage of it, like me. Gotta step up. So I’m really excited to get to play with Luka. He’s a great facilitator, one of the best lob passers in the league. So I’m just really excited to get to work with him.”

Hayes acknowledged the opportunity for more minutes but also welcomed the possibility of adding another center. “I feel like we’ll be fine. Obviously definitely would love to have another big with me,” Hayes admitted. “And then not be the only, only five right now besides our younger guys. But if a trade happens, I’d love it. It’d only be good for the team. So obviously I’d be happy about that. And still take full advantage of my minutes.”

The Lakers’ front office has been open about their desire to address the center position at the trade deadline to bolster their chances of competing for a title. Hayes, while prepared to step up, is aware of the challenges ahead. “I feel like I’m very prepared,” he said. “God’s blessed me with a bunch of talents and a bunch of abilities, and I’m fully ready to take full advantage of it. And blessed me with this opportunity now, with the new team and with all the new guys, and so just ready to take advantage of it.”

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis, now with the Mavericks, reflected on the shocking trade. “I was shocked,” Davis said. “I had no idea.” He expressed optimism about his new role in Dallas, where he will play alongside Luka Doncic and return to his preferred position of power forward.