Jaxson Hayes

With a tireless energy and determination befitting that of the NBA’s all-time greatest rivalry, Jaxson Hayes timed up his jumps in the same manner that he timed up his breakout performance with the Los Angeles Lakers: perfectly. Battling improbable odds with four different Boston Celtics jerseys crowding his attempt to crash the glass, the highflying big impacts the ball’s trajectory just enough to force an advantageous bounce before corralling the rebound himself on the way to an and-one finish. Hayes’ ambition and physical gifts helped the shorthanded Lakers survive the loss of their All-Star tandem on the way to an upset win in primetime on February 1, 2024. Rewarding the trust of his coaches, Hayes was superb with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals.