Jaxson Hayes pressing pause on the spread of a growing Lakers narrative

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024-25 NBA regular season with a rumor hanging over their heads. Founded in a rational concern over the lack of proven talent behind Anthony Davis, it was reported that the Lakers' franchise player had asked the front office to trade for a center.

There are an abundance of intriguing options around the NBA, but before Los Angeles parts with valued assets to acquire a new player, Jaxson Hayes is making sure his voice is heard.

Generic a statement as it may appear to be, Hayes is one of the most interesting players on the roster. He's thus far failed to live up to expectations, but he's a 24-year-old former top-10 draft pick with a genuinely elite combination of size, length, and explosive athleticism.

Listed at 7'0" and 220 pounds with a 7'3.5" wingspan and the type of fluid athleticism that many hope to see from a wing, Hayes' upside is undeniable.

Thus far, upside is all he's been able to offer to teams—a clear reason why he's currently playing on a minimum salary. The early returns in 2024-25 have been a welcome change of pace, however, as he's begun to rewrite the narrative of his career.

It's too soon to rule out a trade for a proven commodity at center, but Hayes is at least giving the Lakers reason to press pause on executing a trade.

Jaxson Hayes showing signs of significant growth in 2024-25

Hayes began the season with a tough matchup against the three-headed monster of Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He rose to the occasion, posting 10 points, four rebounds, three offensive boards, and a block in just 15 minutes of play.

Beyond the individual production, Hayes provided energy on both ends of the floor as the Lakers limited the Timberwolves to 40 points in the paint and scored 72 of their own.

The next time out, Hayes thrived once more by posting six points, six rebounds, one offensive board, four assists, one block, and a steal in 18 minutes of play against the Phoenix Suns. He was aggressive on the glass, active in setting screens, and showed an uncharacteristic proclivity for finding the open man as a passer.

Hayes was generally quiet against the Sacramento Kings, but his 14 minutes of play directly coincided with the Lakers' best stretches—far from a coincidence.

Hayes' value as a rim-running big has been on full display early in the season, with playmakers utilizing him in the pick and roll to great effect. He's also been impressive on the glass, showing a willingness to get his hands dirty on the offensive end of the floor.

Los Angeles will want to see more depth from him moving forward, but as far as a first week is concerned, it couldn't have gone any better for Hayes.

It's far too early to suggest that the Lakers should rule out attempting to trade for a more proven and productive player at center. Hayes is on a team-friendly deal, however, and his length and athleticism have thus far been put to better use than what was witnessed in 2023-24.

If Hayes can build upon these performances and solidify himself as a player who can see closer to 20 minutes per game rather than the 15 he's currently reaching, he could put the rumors of a potential trade to bed—permanently.