Lakers Solidify Center Position: Jaxson Hayes Returns as Deandre Ayton’s Backup
In a strategic move to fortify their roster, the Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed Jaxson Hayes to a one-year contract, a decision that follows their acquisition of former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton. Confirmed by sources to the Southern California News Group, this development marks an important step as the Lakers look to enhance their lineup ahead of the upcoming season. Hayes, who was initially signed during the 2023 offseason on a two-year, $4.6 million deal, has demonstrated promise during his time with the team and is expected to play a crucial role backing up Ayton.
Jaxson Hayes, drafted as the No. 8 pick in 2019, seized the opportunity to shine when he stepped into the starting center position after Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. The young big man’s performance during this key period was noteworthy, as he averaged an impressive 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over 24 games in the starting role between January 30 and March 27. Hayes showed remarkable efficiency, posting a shooting percentage of 78.2% during this span, igniting hopes for a burgeoning career in the NBA.
Despite his promising start, Hayes faced challenges as the regular season wound down. His playing time decreased notably, averaging just 17 minutes per game in the final eight matches. During this stretch, he contributed only 4.6 points and 5 rebounds, revealing the Lakers’ tendency to explore lineups without a traditional center. This decrease in his engagement hinted at a tactical shift from the coaching staff, prioritizing adaptability as the team prepared for the playoffs.
The playoffs, however, proved challenging for Hayes, who posted minimal playing time in the Lakers’ first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His participation dwindled to eight minutes in Game 1 and gradually decreased to only four minutes in the elimination Game 5. This abrupt reduction was partly attributed to the coaching staff’s strategy, leading Hayes to respect their decision while emphasizing the need to remain prepared. He concluded the series with more fouls than points, highlighting the pressure young players often experience in high-stakes scenarios.
Reflecting on his playoff experience, Hayes acknowledged the learning curve and emphasized how the challenges presented valuable lessons. He expressed a desire to improve continuously, noting his growth on the defensive end and demonstrating his capability to compete at a high level. Despite the setbacks, Hayes’ optimism about his performance during the regular season signals his potential to make a significant impact in his upcoming role with the Lakers.
With Hayes now confirmed to return as Deandre Ayton’s backup, the Lakers hope to cultivate his talent further and replicate some of the success he achieved earlier in the season. As they embark on another competitive year, the focus will be on leveraging the strengths of both players, providing options that can contribute to the team’s overall performance. The synergy between Hayes and Ayton will be crucial as the Lakers strive for playoff success, potentially positioning Hayes to reclaim and imprint his mark on the team’s game strategy. The upcoming season is poised to offer exciting developments not only for Hayes but for the Lakers as a whole.
