Jaxson Hayes Bio
Jaxson Reed Hayes is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns. Selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA draft, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans where he developed into a key player before joining the Lakers in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Jaxson Hayes was born on May 23, 2000, in Norman, Oklahoma, United States. He attended Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he began to showcase his basketball talent. During his high school years, he experienced significant growth, reaching a height of 6 feet 11 inches by his senior year. Hayes averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks per game as a senior, which helped him secure a scholarship to the University of Texas. His early exposure to basketball was influenced by his family background. Hayes’ father, Jonathan Hayes, played in the National Football League (NFL) and later became a head coach, while his mother, Kristi Kinne, was a standout basketball player at Drake University. This athletic lineage likely contributed to Hayes’ development and passion for sports.
Path to Basketball
After committing to the University of Texas, Jaxson Hayes made an immediate impact as a freshman. He averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 72.8% from the field. His performance earned him the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2019, along with several other accolades, including a spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. His college career was marked by a knee injury during the Big 12 tournament, but he still declared for the NBA draft shortly after the season ended. In the 2019 NBA draft, Hayes was selected as the eighth overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks, but his rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. This trade marked the beginning of his professional career, where he quickly became known for his athleticism and defensive skills.
Jaxson Hayes Career
Early Career (2019–2023)
Jaxson Hayes made his NBA debut on October 10, 2019, scoring 19 points against the Golden State Warriors. He quickly established himself as a valuable player for the New Orleans Pelicans, achieving his first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in a game against the Warriors later that season. Throughout his time with the Pelicans, Hayes showcased his potential, recording multiple double-doubles and contributing significantly to the team’s performance. In the 2021–22 season, Hayes faced challenges with playing time but managed to turn his season around by moving into the starting lineup. He averaged 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over the last 23 games of the season, helping the Pelicans secure a playoff spot. His contributions were vital during the playoffs, despite the team being eliminated in the first round.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
On July 6, 2023, Jaxson Hayes signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a new chapter in his career. He made 70 appearances during the 2023–24 NBA season, averaging 4.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. His role in the Lakers became more significant following a trade involving star player Anthony Davis, leading to increased responsibilities on the court. As of the 2024–25 NBA season, Hayes started 35 games for the Lakers and averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist over 56 total appearances. His continued development and contributions to the team have made him a player to watch in the coming years.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jaxson Hayes has achieved several notable milestones in his career, including being an NBA Cup champion in 2023 and winning the NIT championship in 2019. He was also recognized as a Second-team All-Big 12 player and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2019.
Jaxson Hayes Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jaxson Hayes has received various nominations and accolades, particularly during his college years and early professional career. His recognition as Big 12 Freshman of the Year and his inclusion in the Big 12 All-Defensive Team highlight his impact on the court.
Jaxson Hayes Awards Won
Jaxson Hayes has won several awards, including the NBA Cup championship in 2023 and the NIT championship in 2019. His achievements during his freshman year at the University of Texas also earned him significant accolades.
Jaxson Hayes Family
Jaxson Hayes comes from a family with a strong athletic background. His father, Jonathan Hayes, played in the NFL and later became a head coach, while his mother, Kristi Kinne, was a celebrated basketball player at Drake University. Hayes has three siblings, including his sister Jillian, who plays basketball at the University of Cincinnati, and his brother Jewett, who plays football at the University of Virginia.
Personal Life
Jaxson Hayes has faced some challenges off the court, including a domestic violence incident in July 2021 that resulted in legal consequences. Despite these issues, he continues to focus on his basketball career and has expressed interest in pursuing a passport to play for Slovenia in international competitions. His connection to Slovenia comes through his teammate Luka Doncic, as they share the same agent.
