Jaxson Hayes wants to improve his rebounding this season

The Lakers were mediocre at rebounding the basketball last season and Jaxson Hayes wants to be a part of the solution this year.

Jaxson Hayes is entering his second season as a Laker and with a new year comes a fresh start. He's been reunited with the veteran who mentored him as a rookie, JJ Redick, who is now the Lakers' coach.

On Media Day, Hayes spoke with ESPN LA and shared the different aspects of his game that he wants to improve this NBA season.

"I want to step up my rebounding a little bit this year,” Hayes said. “Then just a little bit on the offensive end, too. Not look to be so, I mean still be team-oriented, obviously, but a little more aggressive on the offensive end. I feel like that will help myself and help the team a little bit just getting more open shots for us.

“Really, just here to do whatever they need me to do and be that glue guy still."

Since Hayes only averaged three rebounds last season, well below his career number of 3.8, it would be ideal to focus on this aspect of his game and at least return to his previous form.

Ideally, though, a big of Hayes’ stature should be helping you more on the boards. He was the eighth-best rebounder on the team and well behind his frontcourt peers. Anthony Davis had a team-high 12.6 boards and Christian Wood pulled 5.1 a game.

The problem with Hayes has always been consistency. For every stretch where he is the Tasmanian Devil wreaking havoc, dunking the ball and electrifying the team, he has moments where his mental lapses show you why he’s never reached his potential.

If Hayes is going to be more aggressive, it has to be for the greater good, which he's most certainly aware of. Hayes has performed well in the two preseason games since Media Day, averaging seven points and seven rebounds.

His minutes with Anthony Davis in the two big lineups against the Phoenix Suns were encouraging. With Christian Wood out for at least another month or so, he'll have an opportunity early on here to make the case that he deserves a spot in Redick's rotation.

Five years into his career, Hayes hasn’t progressed as much as one would like. Had he reached his potential, he would’ve gotten a payday from the team that drafted him, the New Orleans Pelicans, after his deal was up.

Instead, he’s a minimum contract out to prove himself. Still, he’s 24 years young and far from a lost cause. If he can just be consistent net positive and diminish his errors, that's all anyone asks of him.

He opted into his contract this summer, so he has every incentive to improve and ensure his next deal sets him up for continued success either for the Lakers or the highest bidder of his services.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.