The Los Angeles Lakers brought in Deandre Ayton to anchor the paint, and so far, he’s delivered exactly what they hoped for - a reliable interior presence who’s flirting with a double-double on a nightly basis. But what’s become just as clear is that Ayton’s arrival hasn’t pushed Jaxson Hayes into the shadows. In fact, Hayes continues to carve out a vital role for this Lakers team, bringing energy, effort, and a whole lot of bounce off the bench.
Hayes was thrust into the spotlight last season after the Lakers traded away Anthony Davis, and he responded by elevating his game across the board. Now, even in a reserve role behind Ayton, he’s still making his presence felt every time he steps on the floor. And Ayton’s not just noticing - he’s openly praising Hayes for what he brings to the table.
“From the beginning of the year, Jaxson, he’s been doing phenomenal,” Ayton said after Monday’s practice. “I told him every time, ‘To be honest, you are the best big man I have played alongside when it comes to holding your own. Yeah, we have different styles of play, but you are a momentum guy.’”
That’s high praise coming from a player like Ayton, who’s been around his share of talented frontcourt teammates. But Ayton isn’t just talking about the stats - he’s talking about the feel of the game, the way Hayes can shift momentum with a single play.
“The loud thunderous dunks and having the crowd involved and turning up the team, other than me just trying to find a pocket shot,” Ayton continued. “He brings the momentum to the team and brings that offense with the pick-and-roll… His flying in the sky, even the attempts when he falls down sometimes, just letting teams know that you gotta watch your head.”
It’s that fearless, high-flying style that makes Hayes such a spark plug. He’s the kind of player who can change the rhythm of a game with one alley-oop or chase-down block.
And it’s not just about the highlights - it’s the hustle, the second-effort plays, the willingness to sacrifice his body for the team. Ayton sees that, and he’s quick to give Hayes his due.
“I always give him his flowers every game just having my back, especially when I can’t play.”
That kind of chemistry between bigs is rare - especially when they’re competing for minutes. But Ayton and Hayes clearly understand their roles and how they complement each other.
Ayton brings the polish - the midrange touch, the post footwork - while Hayes brings the electricity. And when Ayton’s been sidelined, Hayes hasn’t just held the fort - he’s stepped up and embraced the challenge.
It’s not just the highlight plays that are turning heads either. Hayes has been evolving as a playmaker, and that growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. Head coach JJ Redick recently credited Hayes for improving his vision and passing, areas that weren’t exactly his calling card earlier in his career.
For a Lakers team that’s still figuring out its identity post-Davis, the combination of Ayton’s steadiness and Hayes’ spark is proving to be a valuable one-two punch in the frontcourt. Hayes may not always light up the box score, but his impact is undeniable - and his teammates, coaches, and fans are all taking notice.