Circumstances have dictated that the Los Angeles Lakers are placing pressure on Jaxson Hayes to become a player he thus far has never consistently been. The trade for Mark Williams intended to fill the void that was created when Los Angeles traded Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, but it ultimately fell through and forced the Lakers to confront the long-standing lack of ideal depth at the 5.
The question marks at center will continue until the postseason reveals how significant they truly are, but Hayes is taking the adversity in stride.
Hayes is putting together a solid second season with the Lakers, posting averages of 6.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.4 offensive boards, 1.0 assist, and 1.0 block in just 18.8 minutes per game. He had the luxury of playing behind and alongside Davis, however, with many even questioning if he could be a sufficient backup.
Thankfully, Hayes has taken on a new identity as a player—and Tuesday, Mar. 4 hosted his best performance to date.
Since Jan. 30, Hayes has posted averages of 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 22.7 minutes per game. He's posted two double-doubles and emerged as a far more reliable defensive player.
On Mar. 4, Hayes took the latest step in his development when he posted 19 points and 10 rebounds in a win over his former team.
Jaxson Hayes has taken significant step forward for Lakers
Hayes and the Lakers met the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that had a different type of pressure on it. Los Angeles had just become the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and many were pondering how they'd respond to the spotlight that's been placed upon them.
Hayes was nothing short of brilliant against his first NBA team, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds on 8-of-8 shooting from the field.
In the process, Hayes set a new season-high in scoring, far exceeding his previous mark of 12 points on Nov. 10. It was also his fourth game in 2024-25 with at least 10 rebounds—three of which have occurred since Jan. 30.
That only begins to exemplify how significant Hayes' step forward has been during the 2024-25 season, even as many have questioned his legitimacy.
Los Angeles has been 4.0 points per 100 possessions better when Hayes has been on the court this season, outscoring opponents by 4.6. The primary source of that success is his defense, which has enabled the Lakers to allow 5.7 fewer points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor.
Hayes also has the best defensive rating of any center in the NBA since Feb. 1, which is a testament to how well he's played under pressure.
It's too soon to make any bold proclamations about how Hayes will help the Lakers during the playoffs. He's responded to extraordinary pressure with some of the best play of his career, however, and deserves praise for that mental toughness.
The Lakers may still have questions about their future at center, but Hayes has proven that hope is far from lost in the meantime.