LOS ANGELES – After an early exit in last season’s playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers were widely expected to upgrade the center position to bolster their lineup. Contrary to those expectations, the center spot has instead emerged as a surprising area of strength this season. Jaxson Hayes attributes this improvement to the complementary skills shared among the Lakers’ center rotation.
Hayes Discusses How Lakers’ Center Trio Complements Each Other
Following the Lakers’ recent victory over the Golden State Warriors, Jaxson Hayes spoke about the dynamic between himself, Deandre Ayton, and Maxi Kleber. Each player brings unique abilities to the floor, creating a versatile and effective frontcourt rotation. Hayes had just returned from a one-game suspension resulting from an incident involving the Washington Wizards’ mascot.
We all just kind of do our different thing, and I feel like it just kind of compliments each other,
Hayes said.
Like in games when it’s me and DA [Deandre], in the rotation, DA gets this middies [mid-range], then suddenly guys start stepping up and I get those rolls behind. When it’s me and Maxi, Maxi gets that pop for the three, and as soon as that starts happening, I get my rolls. And it goes both ways. . .it’s really nice to have two guys like that, that you can always count on.
Performance Details from Recent Games Highlight Center Depth
During the match against the Warriors, Deandre Ayton missed the game due to a knee problem, allowing Hayes to start in his place while Maxi Kleber contributed minutes off the bench. Kleber has notably made an impact in recent games, particularly in closing out fourth quarters with effective defense and offensive contributions. His playmaking versatility extends beyond rebounding and setting screens; he also provides a pick-and-pop threat from beyond the arc.
In a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Kleber posted one of his strongest performances this season, contributing four points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, along with a team-best plus-23 rating on the court.
I’ve seen this since he was in Dallas, back when I was in New Orleans playing against him, he’d always have good games,
Hayes remarked.
And he was one of those guys, when I played with Zion [Williamson], he was one of the only people I’ve ever seen really stop him like that. Maxi’s been like that, and he just stayed ready and just been trying to get back healthy. We got him last year and I’m just really happy to see him back out there.
Statistical Overview of Lakers’ Center Rotation
Jaxson Hayes has participated in 42 games this season, including five starts, averaging just over 17 minutes per game. His contributions include an average of 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while maintaining an efficient 77.5 percent shooting from the field.
Deandre Ayton has played in 45 games, averaging a little more than 28 minutes each contest. He leads the trio with averages of 13.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks, shooting 67.6 percent from the floor.
Maxi Kleber, appearing in 26 games with one start, averages roughly 11 minutes per game. His statistical output includes 2.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and shooting percentages of 39.6 from the field, 22.2 from three-point range, and 72.2 on free throws.
Implications for Lakers’ Season Outlook
The unexpected depth and skill variety among the Lakers’ centers have created a more confident and flexible frontcourt than many had anticipated following last season’s playoff disappointment. Hayes’ observations and the recent performances of Ayton and Kleber suggest that the Lakers are developing a rotation capable of adapting to different game situations, potentially strengthening their postseason prospects. As the season progresses, this center core could become a critical factor in the team’s quest for sustained success.
