The Los Angeles Lakers continue to grapple with inconsistency at the center spot after signing Deandre Ayton last offseason, hoping to secure a long-term presence in the frontcourt. Though Ayton, a former No. 1 overall pick, was brought in to stabilize the position, questions about his fit and future contributions have increased as his performance fluctuates throughout the season.
With the Lakers dealing with ongoing doubts over the 27-year-old’s role, the focus has shifted to how the team will manage its center rotation moving forward, especially as Ayton’s recent struggles have cast shadows over his presumed starting status.
Challenges in Ayton’s Recent Performance Open Door for Hayes
Ayton has encountered difficulties with basic finishes around the basket, including missed layups and failed lob attempts, which contradict expectations for a player of his caliber. On several occasions this season, he has appeared disconnected from the dominant talent he was once projected to be upon entering the NBA in 2018. Moreover, Ayton’s durability has been a concern, as a knee injury sidelined him for three of the Lakers’ last four games, disrupting any momentum he might have built.
During this time, Jaxson Hayes, the backup center, has taken on increased responsibility and impressed with his consistent effort and production. Hayes’ emergence has sparked a growing debate about whether he deserves a starting role, intensifying pressure on the coaching staff to reconsider the lineup.
Advocates Argue Hayes Offers Greater Consistency and Effort
Tyler Watts of Lake Show Life has been vocal in suggesting that Hayes should replace Ayton in the starting lineup. Watts highlights Hayes’ willingness to compete and his team-oriented approach compared to the inconsistency shown by Ayton.
The Los Angeles Lakers should start Jaxson Hayes over Deandre Ayton
Watts wrote.
The seven-footer is not a rim protector, but he’s willing to play a role. Ayton wants touches, and his effort fluctuates significantly.
Watts also pointed out the chemistry Hayes shares with Luka Doncic as a pick-and-roll partner, which is valuable for offensive flow. He argued that Hayes
“will finish around the rim and compete hard”
and that
“he should open games and play more minutes than Ayton,”
concluding that
“neither is the perfect starting center, but Hayes gives the Lakers the best chance to win.”
Hayes’ Rising Production Fuels Debate Over Starting Role
In 45 games this season, Hayes is averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while boasting a career-high shooting percentage of 77.2%. His recent five-game run, coinciding with Ayton’s intermittent availability, has seen his statistics surge to 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steal in just over 21 minutes per contest.
Hayes’ standout performance came in the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star break against Dallas, where he put up 16 points, seven rebounds (including four offensive), four assists, three steals, and a block, along with a team-best plus-26 rating. Such impressive production strengthens his case for an expanded role.
Despite Hayes’ momentum, integrating him as the starter might not be straightforward. Watts cautioned that Ayton could resist a demotion to the bench, especially after showing frustration earlier in the season regarding his offensive usage.
Lakers’ Outlook on Ayton’s Health and Future Decisions
Dan Woike of The Athletic reported that Ayton’s knee injury is not considered severe, and the Lakers expect him to be available when the team resumes play against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 20 following the All-Star break. This availability keeps Ayton’s status as the starter plausible in the short term.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Lakers will have more than $55 million in salary cap space, making the center position a priority for roster improvements. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton identifies this role as a key area for change, indicating that management might pursue further moves regardless of Ayton’s $8.1 million player option.
The Lakers now face a pivotal decision: whether to maintain faith in Deandre Ayton as their established starting center or to elevate Jaxson Hayes, whose recent development offers promise and steadiness. This choice will likely be determined soon, shaping the team’s strategy as the season progresses.
“Bigs can’t feed themselves. I just try my best do what I can to bring effort and I trust my playmakers out there to find me” – Deandre Ayton after scoring 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting a game after JJ Redick said Ayton was “frustrated” by limited touches pic.twitter.com/9yG8IS19ob
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 5, 2026
Deandre Ayton received imaging on his sore right knee and the results were clean. Lakers are optimistic he’ll recover over the break.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 13, 2026
Did a new round of updated 2026 cap space projections (with updated projected standings for draft picks and option projections):
1 Clippers: $67.6M
2 Lakers: $55.1M
3 Wizards: $50.0M
4 Jazz: $49.4M
5 Nets: $48.8M
6 Bulls: $33.4M
7 Hawks: $23.3MObviously, very fluid right now!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 9, 2026
