Rudy Gobert put on high alert as Lakers’ $4.6M center makes intentions clear ahead of playoffs

Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert does not bother Lakers' young center Jaxson Hayes going into the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Rudy Gobert put on high alert as Lakers’ $4.6M center makes intentions clear ahead of playoffs

Luka Doncic, Rudy Gobert and Jaxson Hayes

The Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on April 19 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. For the Timberwolves, it won’t be an easy task facing the likes of in-form Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves in attack. However, when it comes to the defensive aspect of the game, the Timberwolves have an edge in Rudy Gobert.

Gobert’s resume is among the best in NBA history. He has been named to the All-NBA team four times, won Defensive Player of the Year four times, and been selected to the All-Defense team seven times. He is expected to keep adding to his list of accomplishments. Despite all of this, Lakers young center Jaxson Hayes is up for the challenge against Gobert, making a bold claim ahead of the matchup.

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He’s not my main focus. I mean, obviously, he is my main matchup. But my main focus is getting guys like Luka and them open, rebounding, crashing hard, just out-competing them.

Jaxson Hayes told the reporters

In addition, Lakers star Luka Doncic, in particular, has had immense success against Gobert, something Hayes will be looking to learn from going into the game. It’s also important to note that Hayes is the only center available for the Lakers going into the NBA Playoffs, as they traded Anthony Davis in exchange for Doncic earlier in February.

However, Doncic frequently destroys defenses led by the 7-foot Frenchman. Such as Minnesota’s in the previous season’s Western Conference Finals.

This time around, it gets even tougher for Gobert. Mostly because he not only faces Doncic but also the NBA legend in LeBron James. However, all eyes will be on how Hayes and Doncic come up against Gobert in this series. According to DraftKings, the Timberwolves are favorites at plus-160 to win the series, while the Lakers are minus-195 favorites.

Luka Doncic is ready for the Rudy Gobert challenge ahead of the playoffs

Going into this matchup, the Lakers’ HC JJ Redick had high praise for his star Luka Doncic. Mostly because Redick stated that Doncic is ready to take on Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, something that he has done several times in the past. Doncic too opened up on this matter in a recent press conference, claiming he likes a center on him.

Since I came to the league, I like to play pick-and-roll. I like to get a center on me.

Luka Doncic said

Doncic and Gobert are no strangers. He helped the Dallas Mavericks win the series 4-1 with an average of 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season. As he walked backwards down the court, he memorably animatedly shouted at the center after hitting a three-point game-winning dagger over Gobert in that series. Hence, it’s a no brainer Doncic versus Gobert will be one battle to watch.

JJ Redick makes his feelings clear regarding Luka Doncic’s mindset

Doncic has been a shining light for the Lakers since his arrival in February due to a trade deal. The Slovenian has single-handedly won games for his side when his teammate and star LeBron James was sidelined due to a groin injury. Now, Doncic’s HC, JJ Redick, opened up on Luka Doncic’s mindset going into the NBA Playoffs.

He doesn’t think a single person in the world can guard him.

JJ Redick said

This extreme self-assurance is not misguided. Despite dealing with injuries and acclimating to a new city, Doncic, who the league has already selected to the All-NBA First Team five times at the age of 25, has averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists this season. All said and done, everyone’s attention will now drift onto Doncic’s performance going into the playoffs.