Jaxson Hayes looking to take advantage of opportunity with Lakers

LOS ANGELES — There’s no question what the Lakers are playing for, and what their collective mindsets are focused on, during this time of the year: compete for an NBA championship.

General Manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear throughout the season that’s the expectation, and said in early February in the aftermath of the organization’s acquisition of All-Star guard Luka Doncic that the urgency to compete for a title is “ever-present.”

Players who have joined the team during the season ...