After the Orlando Magic matchup, Deandre Ayton infamously proclaimed he was not Clint Capela. Someone on the Los Angeles Lakers had to have quietly sighed in that moment and thought, "Brother, we know." That sentiment behind that would not have been of relief, but disappointment.
Ayton played 32 minutes against the Magic due to Jaxson Hayes missing the contest. Ever since, his playing time has dropped significantly lower than that outing. The Lakers center is averaging 21.5 minutes per game in the last four contests. There is no real reason to push for that to change either.
Hayes' return to the lineup after his brief one-game injury absence has coincided with the Lakers going 3-1. The competition was not unbearable by any means, but it is still encouraging to see the team trending upward. The recent outings from the high-energy backup have only added reason as to why Los Angeles does not need to be all-in on Ayton minutes anymore.
While this stat is not perfect, since the All-Star break, Hayes is leading the team in plus-minus with a +66. Marcus Smart is the only Laker within close proximity to him, posting a +57. On the whole of this season, the Lakers backup center has posted a +45. How is Ayton doing by contrast? -65, which would be the second lowest mark on the team.
Jaxson Hayes keeps making Deandre Ayton replaceable for the Lakers
With all due respect, Hayes is not some extraordinary talent who is kicking at the door here and waiting for a breakout. The value of the former lottery pick has come in the simplicity of what he can provide.
Hayes brings strong effort, understands his role, and has a willingness to do the little things. That is all the Lakers need of him, and that has been delivered in spades throughout 2025-26.
"He's a good basketball player that frankly, consistently injects energy into the group," JJ Redick told reporters of his backup center.
In the moments of Ayton not wanting to be Capela, Hayes has contrasted that attitude by doing what suits the Lakers best. Does Los Angeles maybe wish the backup big man was more well-rounded in some areas? Perhaps. However, the feelings of familiarity and dependability they get overall are invaluable.
The Lakers are surely counting down the days until they can put the Ayton experience behind them as a whole. Until that time arrives, JJ Redick has to make the best of the situation with what he has. In this case, that would be Hayes.