The Los Angeles Lakers plan to take a page out of the Dallas Mavericks’ book.
The Dallas Mavericks had no problems facing the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game.
The main reason for the Mavericks’ 121-94 victory was head coach Jason Kidd moving Cooper Flagg to the point guard position to utilize a two-big-man lineup.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned the possibility of doing the same with Deandre Ayton and Jackson Hayes during the regular season.
The Lakers’ main struggles after trading Anthony Davis were due to the lack of an elite big man on the roster.
As a result, Redick sometimes didn’t have two or even one big man in his lineup. However, Redick plans to have Hayes and Ayton on the floor at the same time this season.
“I think there’s really value in that, especially with the way we’re allowed to grab right now. You can really grab (what the heck) from somebody and it’s not a foul anymore.”
According to the NBA, Redick said he would “push down, push, and get offensive rebounds.”
“If you have the people to do that, that’s good. We should definitely look at it. Not every team can build it that way.”
“There aren’t that many big men who are mobile, smart and can guard. I think this trend will continue for a while.”
It’s an interesting approach and definitely adds another layer to the Lakers’ offense and defense on the hardwood.
Between Hayes and Ayton, the latter is definitely a better center than the former. With that in mind, Redick will likely keep Ayton at the No. 5 spot.
As a result, Hayes will be asked to play power forward in a potential double big man lineup. As revealed to the media, the 25-year-old is ready to do so.
“For sure. I did a little bit of that in AD. In my third year in the league, I started at No. 4 with the Pelicans when we made the playoffs that year with Jonas (Valanciunas).
“So, that’s definitely something I can do. I’ve been working on my shot this offseason,” Hayes said confidently.
Hayes’ answer will give Redick the confidence to try out this lineup in the Lakers’ final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.