“He’s gonna make a lot of money”: D’Angelo Russell discusses interest on Jaxson Hayes following Lakers’ loss to Timberwolves

The Lakers are clinging onto their play-in spot for dear life with the post-season approaching fast. The gold and purple brigade were gaining momentum, but they have been halted in their tracks by the Timberwolves.

Despite transfer rumors and their recent setback, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, did not look too worried about the slip and pointed out some positives from the game. One of those positives was Jaxson Hayes who looked more than competent at this level. Russell even had a prediction for him which can be very encouraging to Lakers center.

Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell predicts increased interest in Jaxson Hayes’ services

D’Angelo Russell showered his teammate Jaxson Hayes with praise for showing his potential against the Minnesota Timberwolves irrespective of the game result.

During a postgame press conference, when asked about the Lakers’ new addition, Russell said, “He’s [Jaxson Hayes] gonna make a lot of money this summer.”

Highlighting Hayes’ contribution to the LA franchise’s scoreboard, the guard added, “Whenever he gets just a little bit of time he dominates it so kudos to him.”

In the last minutes of the opening quarter, Wolves’ Kyle Anderson hit Anthony Davis in the face, who left the court after receiving an eye injury from the blow. Jaxson Hayes came as a backup for AD and scored a season-high 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds earning the respect of his teammate. Russell’s words could be indicative of potential interest in the 23-year-old come this summer.

As for the outcome of the game, despite putting up high numbers, the Lakers fell short of clinching their fifth straight win and ended up losing the game to the Western Conf table toppers.

Lakers sink against Timberwolves without LeBron James

The Lakers faced the high-fliers from Minnesota in the absence of their star player LeBron James, who has been detected with flu-like symptoms per Bleacher Report. On top of that, Davis’ early departure after the first quarter made things worse for the franchise.

The Lakers finished the first quarter with a 5-point lead, but the team couldn’t continue their dominance. The Timberwolves turned the tables showing their supremacy both in the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Although the Lakers stepped up in the second half taking a 28-23 lead in the third and tying the scores in the final quarter, it wasn’t enough to fill the 15-point gap that the Timberwolves had left in the first half.

Rui Hachimura posted 30 points, Spencer Dinwiddie chipped in with 18 points, D’Angelo Russell bagged 15 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds, while Hayes contributed with a double-double. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the odds against Anthony Edward-led Timberwolves.

Wolves’ forward Naz Reid scored a game-high 31 points along with 11 rebounds, whereas “Ant Man” kept his form going with 26 points which were equally important in the game. The versatile French center Rudy Gobert showed why his teammates trust him by scoring 18 points and grabbing 16 rebounds for the Minnesota-based franchise.

The game ended with a 117-127 loss for the Lakers who are fighting hard for a spot in the play-in picture. To save the franchise from losing, LeBron James’ presence on the court seems to be essential.