When the Lakers re-signed Jaxson Hayes to a one-year, $3 million deal this past summer, many expected him to once again star in his role, setting back into the second unit, this time backing up Deandre Ayton. Fast forward a few months, and amid Ayton’s struggles with health and consistency, Hayes hasn’t missed a beat. He continues to show the skills and chemistry that make him a valuable asset to the purple and gold.
As Ayton deals with another setback, it opens the door for Hayes to ride another wave of momentum.
Jaxson Hayes’ Resurgence Comes at Perfect Time for Lakers
Hayes Records Season-High Despite Loss to Nuggets
Ayton played nearly five minutes Thursday before exiting in the first quarter due to knee soreness. He went scoreless but grabbed a pair of rebounds. Hayes, meanwhile, was productive in his place, tallying a season-high 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with five rebounds and two assists.
Despite the solid scoring, Hayes took accountability for his defense, saying there was “more [he] could have done” in terms of avoiding “lapses” while in coverage.
Hayes energizes the Lakers with his athleticism no matter the situation, feasting on pick-and-rolls and making his presence felt in the paint. While concerns over his defense and rebounding rightfully persist, he has done an admirable job stabilizing the center rotation amid uncertain and adverse times.
Shoutout Jaxson Hayes. Had himself a hell of a game against the best C in the league. Good perimeter defense too contesting shots.
— GoldenKnight (@GoldenKnightGFX) March 6, 2026
Redick Evaluates Hayes’ Season, Confidence Still High
Head coach JJ Redick detailed how Hayes has grown throughout the season and his seven-year career, having played with Hayes in New Orleans from 2019 to 2021.
“He’s making touch shots around the rim. He’s making great pocket decisions. He’s a good basketball player that, frankly, he consistently injects energy into the group when he runs the floor, blocks a shot or gets those dunks.”
With Ayton potentially being sidelined in the short term, Reddick told reporters he’s “very confident” in Hayes, who is now their lone healthy big man with Maxi Kleber (back soreness) also down:
“I thought he was terrific tonight. He played basically 28 minutes and that was a lot for him. I think not having Maxi tonight actually really hurt us, particularly with DA out. But Jaxson, I definitely have confidence in him.”
That reinforced confidence and season-high should serve Hayes well going forward, as he looks to be the “next man up” and—like most of the roster—trudges through a contract year.
Starting Center Debate Could Intensify
Circumstances aside, Hayes’ recent play has re-ignited some conversations of whether he can finally replace Ayton in the starting five, considering the latter’s ineffectiveness and recent benching during crunch time. Hayes already has the chemistry and skill set working in his favor, not to mention his promising play just before and after the All-Star break. While he’s not expected to get double-doubles every game, he’s filled his role to a tee thus far, and when it comes to stepping up, there’s no time like the present.
If Ayton is indeed out again and Hayes excels in his place, then Redick and his staff will need to have tough conversations with 20 games to go. The Lakers face the Indiana Pacers tonight at 7:30.
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