Lakers' Jaxson Hayes showing early signs of escaping lottery pick shadow

The Los Angeles Lakers have placed a significant amount of faith in unproven commodities. With a quiet offseason that was highlighted by player options being accepted and Max Christie re-signing, Los Angeles is going all-in on JJ Redick's player development program.

One of the most important players in that venture will be backup center Jaxson Hayes—and he seems to have an idea in mind as to how he can live up to his potential.

Hayes has been one of the more compelling upside players in the NBA since he was drafted at No. 8 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Heading into his sixth season, however, he's yet to become the interior force that he was expected to be.

The door has been opened for Hayes to change his career narrative, however, and he appears to be focused on doing so.

Projected backup center Christian Wood could miss the first month of the 2024-25 regular season as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery. That could open the door for Hayes to step in as the lone form of interior depth behind Anthony Davis.

The preseason only counts for so much, but Hayes appears to be taking a step forward with a colossal contract year ahead of him.

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes showing signs of growth during preseason

Hayes has utilized the preseason to turn in two performances that offer reason for optimism. He kicked things off by starting the Lakers' opener and playing 21 minutes, posting nine poins, six rebounds, one assist, and a block along the way.

The numbers may not jump off the page, but Hayes was energetic, more aggressive on the glass than he was a season ago, and perfect at the free throw line, shooting 3-of-3.

A game later, Hayes returned to the second unit but maintained the figure of 21 minutes played. He scored fewer points, but produced a well-rounded effort with eight rebounds, two offensive boards, two assists, two blocks, and a steal.

It was the type of performance the Lakers will need from him in 2024-25, especially with Wood expected to miss time.

Crashing the offensive glass must be a top priority for Hayes, as the Lakers ranked No. 30 in offensive rebounds and second-chance points in 2023-24. The two offensive boards he pulled down against Minnesota are a promising start in that regard.

Los Angeles also needs help along the defensive interior, as Davis' individual brilliance couldn't prevent the team from ranking No. 21 in points allowed in the paint.

If the tradeoff for help on the offensive glass and along the defensive interior is decreased scoring numbers, then the Lakers would likely accept that with a smile. Hayes is an intriguing pick-and-roll option, but his length and athleticism project to be of greater value in defensive and rebounding capacities.

If Hayes can provide consistent value in those areas of the game, then the Lakers could round their second unit into form and have an interior foundation to build upon beyond Davis.