The expectations have changed for the Los Angeles Lakers and the pressure has thus grown immeasurably at every position. Luka Doncic is a superstar in his prime who has already led a team to the NBA Finals and will now look to solidify his legacy by becoming a champion.
With this in mind, backup center Jaxson Hayes has instantly found himself on the hot seat as a player who will need to prove whether or not he can anchor the second unit at a championship-caliber level.
It's perhaps an unfair standard to set, but the Lakers have officially entered championship-or-bust territory.