Jaxson Hayes has started all three games for the Los Angeles Lakers in their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that doesn't mean they've fully trusted him. Despite those three starts,

Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the fourth quarter of game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

In Game 3 of the Lakers' 116-104 loss to the Timberwolves in their opening-round Western Conference playoff series, it became clear--as if it were not already--that this series is lined up to be a grind for whomever wins.