Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes didn't envision the LA Clippers being an awful team this 2025-26 season.
The Los Angeles Clippers have proved to everyone that they can still capably compete last season, clinching a 50-win campaign and were just one victory away from making it to the Conference Semifinals.
This season, expectations were high that the Clippers would maintain their contention identity. And by adding several key pieces like John Collins, Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez and Chris Paul from the past offseason, the entire group looked good on paper with both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden at the front.
Instead, the Clippers have suffered in what has been a turbulent year already. They are currently at the depths of the West with a 6-21 record, enduring injuries, inconsistencies and recent controversies.
By looking at what's happening so far around their crosstown rival, LA Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is simply surprised about the Clippers' downslide. Regardless, he believes that the veteran-laden group can still bounce back this season.
"They are very skilled, a talented team, they have a ton of great guys on that team," Hayes said. "They haven’t had the best start to the year, but we obviously all know what they can do, what they are capable of so we have to come in tonight ready go.”
Upon losing all their previous five games, Hayes and the Lakers can only expect a desperate Clippers squad facing them this Saturday.
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.