The Los Angeles Lakers are increasingly turning to Jaxson Hayes, their backup center, as starting center Deandre Ayton’s knee soreness worsens. Ayton’s injury status remains uncertain ahead of the Lakers’ home game against the New York Knicks, placing more responsibility on Hayes to perform.
Hayes is no stranger to stepping into a leading role. Last year, he served as the Lakers’ primary big man following the trade of Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, who has since become the team’s centerpiece. Although a potential acquisition of Mark Williams was reversed, Hayes received his most substantial playing time on the Lakers’ strongest roster yet, and he largely delivered solid performances during that period.
Coach and Teammates Praise Hayes’ Growth and Impact
Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted Hayes’ development throughout the season.
“Jaxson’s had a really good season,”
Redick said.
“And I know (this because) I played with him his first two years — he’s a better basketball player. He’s gotten better. He’s making touch shots around the rim. He’s making great pocket decisions.”
Redick added,
“He’s a good basketball player. He consistently injects energy into the group when he runs the floor, blocks a shot or he gets those dunks.”
Hayes’s ability to lift team energy and contribute defensively has not gone unnoticed.
With Ayton limited to just 4 ½ minutes in Thursday’s loss at Denver and sitting out Friday’s win over Indiana, Hayes saw more minutes and answered the call. Against the Nuggets, he scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting with five rebounds in 27 minutes. He then added nine points and four rebounds in 25 minutes against the Pacers. His averages have held steady when asked to start — 11.4 points shooting 81.6%, 4.5 rebounds, and two assists across eight starts—leading the Lakers to a 6-2 record in those games.
LeBron James expressed full trust in Hayes, stating,
“We have the utmost confidence in Jaxson.”
The Lakers view Hayes as a capable and dependable option should Ayton’s injury force a larger role.
Hayes’ Preparedness and Determination to Contribute
Hayes himself emphasized the importance of readiness, regardless of playing status.
“That’s what they pay me to do is stay ready. Even if I wasn’t in the rotation, they pay me to stay ready. That’s all NBA players’ job is just stay ready and get better every day. I’m gonna just do whatever the team needs me to do,”
Hayes said.
Comparing Hayes and Ayton: Strengths and Tactical Advantages
Drafted first overall in 2018, Deandre Ayton is widely regarded as the more talented player, excelling in one-on-one scoring, midrange shooting, and defensive rebounding. However, Hayes offers specific skills that align well with the Lakers’ current needs—particularly against a Knicks squad that has won 16 of its last 21 games.
Over the season, Hayes has demonstrated strong interior defense and a powerful roll game following screens, which will be essential if the Knicks employ aggressive hedges and recoveries on pick-and-roll plays involving Luka Doncic. These hard rolls by an athletic center create vertical spacing and opening lob opportunities, a partnership that Doncic and Hayes have developed effectively.
Luke Kennard noted,
“Him and Luka have a really good connection right now. They’re playing really well and playing off each other.”
Further enhancing his value, Hayes has improved his playmaking during the short roll, forcing opposing defenses to balance their focus between containing both him and Doncic.
Luka Doncic applauded Hayes’s progress and teamwork:
“I love playing with Jaxson. This year, his improvement is unbelievable. He understands, I think this year even more, how to play with me. We’ve been working on that. So playing with him is very special for me.”
Support from Teammates Highlights Hayes’ Professional Growth
Austin Reaves reflected on Hayes’s maturity and work ethic.
“Maturity, the way he approaches the game day to day,”
Reaves said,
“He does what he needs to do in his off time around the gym, gets his work in, takes care of his body and then just the preparation that he puts into it, you can tell he’s grown in those aspects, and that’s just made him a better player.”
Reaves continued,
“We can probably all agree that this is some of the best basketball he’s played in his career. I’m happy for him. We need him to continue to do that. He’s a big part of what we’re going to do.”
Upcoming Challenges and the Importance of Hayes’ Role
As the Lakers prepare for a pivotal matchup against the surging New York Knicks at home, the team faces uncertainty surrounding Ayton’s availability. Hayes’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively will be critical to the Lakers’ success, particularly in mitigating the effects of Ayton’s potential absence.
Given the Knicks’ aggressive defense against pick-and-roll plays and their recent strong form, Hayes’s improved skills in rolling, defending the paint, and facilitating the offense by working with Doncic could be decisive factors in the game’s outcome.
The Lakers’ confidence in Hayes reflects their broader strategy to adapt dynamically as injury situations evolve. Whether Ayton returns or Hayes assumes more extended minutes, having a ready and capable center is crucial at this stage of the season.
In the days ahead, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor Deandre Ayton’s condition, while Jaxson Hayes’s performance will be under the spotlight as he carries a heavier load for the Lakers.
