Jaxson Hayes Is Quietly Becoming a Key Piece for the Lakers
LOS ANGELES - After a rocky playoff run last season that ended with Jaxson Hayes watching from the bench, few expected the big man to re-sign with the Lakers. But here we are, and Hayes is making that decision look better by the day.
Through the first stretch of the 2025-26 season, with the Lakers off to a strong 19-8 start, Hayes has carved out a meaningful role - both as a spot starter and high-energy reserve. When Deandre Ayton has been sidelined, Hayes has stepped in as the starting center. And when he comes off the bench, he brings the kind of spark that shifts momentum and lifts the second unit.
But it’s not just the dunks or hustle plays that are standing out. Hayes has been working on a more nuanced part of his game - decision-making in the short roll.
That’s the area just outside the paint where bigs catch the ball on the move, with a chance to either score, pass, or reset the offense. It’s a skill that separates good role players from great ones, and Hayes is embracing the challenge.
“There’s definitely always room for improvement,” Hayes said after shootaround this past Saturday. “I’m trying to play a little slower in the pocket, instead of every time I get in the pocket just running and getting ready to try and go dunk on somebody.
I’m trying to actually read it and make my right read. I feel like it’s evolving a little bit more.”
That evolution is showing up on the floor. Hayes has started to read defenses more patiently, taking that extra beat to scan the court before making his move. Whether it’s kicking the ball out to a shooter or slipping in a soft hook shot, he’s becoming more than just a vertical threat - he’s becoming a decision-maker.
Still, his bread and butter remains the pick-and-roll. Hayes has developed strong chemistry with Luka Doncic, who has a knack for finding him in stride. Hayes is arguably the Lakers’ most dangerous lob threat, and when he gets a runway, defenders are often left with two choices: foul or get out of the way.
In terms of production, Hayes has been steady. He’s appeared in 24 games so far - starting four - and is averaging 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in just over 17 minutes per game.
His efficiency has been off the charts, shooting 76.6% from the field. He’s even hit his lone three-point attempt of the season, a small but notable sign of his growing confidence.
And while the numbers are solid, it’s the energy that jumps off the screen. Hayes plays with a motor that’s hard to teach. He’s diving for loose balls, crashing the glass, and making second-effort plays that don’t always show up in the box score but matter in the win column.
His effort hasn’t gone unnoticed - especially by Deandre Ayton, who’s been vocal in his praise.
“I tell him every time, ‘to be honest, you are the best big man I’ve played alongside with when it comes to holding your own,’” Ayton said after practice on Monday. “We have different styles of play. . . a momentum guy, the loud thunderous dunks and having the crowd involved and turning up the team, rather than me just trying to find a pocket shot. He brings the momentum to the team.”
Ayton went on to highlight Hayes’ willingness to sacrifice and bring effort, even when the play doesn’t go his way.
“Even the attempts where he falls down sometimes, just letting teams know that you have to watch your head,” Ayton said. “You can’t really ask for much.
He’s playing on second effort as well where talent doesn’t even show really. It’s just him really putting in effort and sacrifice.
I always give him his flowers every game for having my back, especially when I don’t play.”
That kind of praise from a fellow big speaks volumes. Hayes may not be the flashiest name on the Lakers’ roster, but he’s proving to be one of the most important glue guys - the kind of player who can swing a game with hustle, toughness, and just enough finesse.
And for a player who ended last season on the bench, that’s one heck of a turnaround.