LOS ANGELES — With the NBA postseason fast approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are seeing encouraging progress from their interior rotation. Centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are rounding into form, giving the team a timely lift as the regular season winds down.
The improvement comes at a pivotal moment on the calendar. Monday’s report, dated March 31, 2026, underscores how the Lakers’ depth in the paint could influence matchups once the playoffs begin.
Ayton, acquired in the offseason, and Hayes, signed as a free agent, have shared minutes throughout the year. Recent performances suggest both big men are settling into their roles, bolstering the Lakers’ rebounding and rim protection.
Los Angeles will wrap up its final stretch of regular-season games over the next two weeks before the opening round of the playoffs. Continued growth from Ayton and Hayes figures to be a key storyline as the Lakers aim for a deep postseason run.
Source: New York Post
