USA Today via Reuters
Nov 14, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) celebrates with forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 14, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) celebrates with forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15) after scoring a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are going through a rough patch. They are 2-6 since winning the inaugural in-season tournament and lifting the NBA Cup. The Lakers seem to have lost the momentum they gained early in the season. LeBron James and Co. are now 9th in the Western Conference standings with a 16-15 record. But that has not deterred the Lakers squad, and they are coming up with new ways to keep themselves motivated.
Lakers 23-year-old starlet Jaxson Hayes revealed how his team is staying positive amid the recent struggles and issued a special challenge for LeBron James.
Jaxson Hayes challenges LeBron James
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LA Lakers Center Jaxson Hayes revealed in an interview that the purple and gold squad is still positive and motivated despite their recent struggles. LeBron James and Co. play Madden in their off time to relax and get their mind off the court. When asked who the best Madden player on the Lakers roster was, Hayes claimed it was LeBron. But Hayes issued a challenge to the 21-year veteran, “Right now, it’s Bron. But I’m gonna get him soon.” Hayes revealed that LeBron plays Madden as the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Miami Dolphins.
Jaxson Hayes said the Lakers are staying close and remaining positive amidst the struggles. “We have a little Madden group chat, a bunch of us are playing Madden.”
Who’s the best at Madden? “Right now it’s Bron. But I’m gonna get him soon.”
The worst? “J-Hood.” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/6AN7GkJUxV
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) December 27, 2023
LeBron’s obsession with the NFL is no secret to the world. And it does not surprise people to hear that he is the best Madden player in the Lakers squad. Jaxson Hayes also revealed the worst Madden player on the Lakers roster. “J-Hood” Hayes responded, referring to 20-year-old shooting guard Jalen Hood-Schifino.
It is great to hear that the oldest player in the league, LeBron James, is hanging out and interacting with the young Lakers players to keep them motivated.
Read More: “Merry Fkn Christmas”: LeBron James Goes Head Over Heels for Newest Nike Holiday Season Release
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Can the Lakers bounce back?
The Lakers were on a roll during the in-season tournament. They went undefeated in 7 games and became the first-ever winners of the NBA Cup. LeBron James and Co. had some extra motivation to play harder because of the $500,000 each prize money. But the Lakers’ recent run has killed their momentum. They are missing some key players due to injury, including Gabe Vincent and Jarred Vanderbilt. That has disrupted the Lakers line-up.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been in top form recently, but the rest of the Lakers squad has been highly inconsistent. The Lakers are still in need of a third star who can score in double digits consistently and take some load off LeBron and AD’s shoulders. Role players like Jaxson Hayes need to step up their game to help the Lakers register more wins. The Lakers might also need to make a trade before the deadline to sustain their success until the playoffs.
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Do you believe the Lakers can get back to in-season tournament form and turn their season around?
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