The Los Angeles Lakers are confronting multiple challenges this season, with no easy solutions on the horizon. Despite having promising core players like Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James, the team has struggled to find a consistent presence in the center position. Jaxson Hayes has emerged as a notable figure amid Deandre Ayton’s underwhelming performance, but a recent injury has complicated the Lakers’ options moving forward in this campaign.
Debate Rises Over Who Should Start at Center
Both Hayes and Ayton fall short of the ideal rim-protecting and All-Star caliber big man Los Angeles envisions alongside Doncic and Reaves. With the failed trade for Mark Williams last season and minimal moves during the current trade deadline, the two players remain the team’s primary options down low. Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, writing for LakeShowLife, contends that Hayes presents the more dependable choice, especially considering Ayton’s inconsistent play despite holding the starting center role for most of the season.
Jaxson Hayes is the most reliable frontcourt option on the roster. Nothing has changed in that department,
Rovenchuk stated.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, the former first overall pick (Ayton) has not looked the part of a superhero. Ayton has not even sufficed as a proper sidekick.
While Ayton statistically leads Hayes in scoring and rebounding—averaging 13 points and 8.4 rebounds on 66.6% shooting compared to Hayes’ 6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds on an efficient 77%—the key distinction lies in fit and play style. Hayes’ ability to function effectively as a pick-and-roll partner and lob threat alongside Doncic, without requiring the ball in his hands, gives him an edge within the Lakers’ offensive system.
The chemistry with Doncic has grown. The energy and effort has been consistent. When asked to do more, the Lakers’ backup center has delivered,
Rovenchuk observed. He noted the potential challenges the team might face if Hayes were to replace Ayton in the starting lineup outright:
Imagine how much worse things could be for Los Angeles if they openly demoted him to the bench. That is a scenario that could warrant flat-out visible quitting.
Despite these considerations, Ayton remains the official starter while Hayes serves as the backup, with head coach JJ Redick yet to indicate any imminent changes to this arrangement.
Recent Injury to Jaxson Hayes Raises Questions
Hayes’ position on the depth chart may be influenced by a recent injury sustained during a game against the Boston Celtics. After playing only five minutes, Hayes suffered an ankle injury that has led to a day-to-day status, as confirmed by Redick following imaging.
JJ Redick says Jaxson Hayes received imaging on his right ankle Monday, which showed a ‘little bruise,’
team insider Dave McMenamin reported.
Redick said Hayes is day-to-day going forward and assumed the backup center will be listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game vs. ORL.
Hayes was subsequently downgraded to doubtful for the upcoming matchup against the Magic, and he is currently the sole player on the Lakers’ injury report for that game.
The Lakers better hope the injury that forced Hayes to leave Sunday night’s matchup against the Boston Celtics is not serious,
Rovenchuk commented on the situation.
Before the early exit against Boston, Hayes had seen an uptick in minutes during the 10 games leading up to the contest. Assuming the Lakers’ high-flying center is back sooner than later, without a serious injury limiting him, seeing that trend continue should not surprise anyone.
Implications for Lakers’ Center Rotation Moving Forward
For now, Deandre Ayton retains his starting role with an opportunity to strengthen his position if Hayes remains sidelined. However, given the Lakers’ overall need for a stronger center presence, both players are expected to face pressure to secure their roster spots in the future. As the team aims to refine its lineup, the interplay between Hayes’ potential return from injury and Ayton’s consistency will be critical to their post-season hopes.
“That was one of the highlights of my career. I needed that one.” – Deandre Ayton on the alley-oop dunk he finished off a lob from LeBron James pic.twitter.com/rgrFYJE8bf
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 21, 2026
JJ Redick says Jaxson Hayes received imaging on his right ankle Monday, which showed a "little bruise." Redick said Hayes is day-to-day going forward and assumed the backup center will be listed as questionable for Tuesday's game vs. ORL
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 23, 2026
Lakers injury report for Tuesday: pic.twitter.com/VX9F33HExb
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 24, 2026
