The Los Angeles Lakers are watching Jaxson Hayes become the ideal big man to pair with Luka Doncic, and it cost the franchise nothing to acquire him because he was already on their roster. Number 77 wanted a rim protector and a lob threat from the moment he arrived in LA. The Lakers tried to trade for Mark Williams, but a failed physical nixed the deal. Fans have questioned Ayton's fit all season, but Hayes is becoming the ideal partner.
The Lakers have won 14 of their last 16 games and look like a serious title threat. Luka is playing like the MVP, and Hayes is having his own mini breakout during that stretch. The seven-footer averaged 8.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game. He has given head coach JJ Redick an option if Ayton is struggling, and fans know Hayes will finish everything Doncic and the Lakers lob up.
Hayes is becoming a trusted option at the five. He has blocked a shot in six straight games and is shooting 75 percent from the field over that stretch. The Lakers nearly gave up two first-round draft picks for Mark Williams when a strong option was already on their bench, just awaiting his opportunity.
Lakers look genius as Jaxson Hayes quietly becomes Luka Doncic’s ideal partner
Hayes came to Los Angeles in 2023 and has made just over $8 million total in three seasons. The former eighth overall draft pick flamed out in New Orleans and got a fresh start with the Lakers. Nobody knew he would be catching lobs from Luka and trying to play for the Slovenian National Team. The Lakers wanted a backup big with potential, and Hayes is finally fully realizing it.
Fans know Luka is at his best with a true center on the floor. He had Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford during the Mavericks’ NBA Finals run in 2024. Ayton is slowly buying into his role, but he still struggles to consistently attack the rim. Hayes doesn’t have that problem.
Between Ayton and Hayes, the Lakers are getting 48 minutes of quality play at the five. They must keep it up throughout the playoffs if LA wants to make a deep run. Coach Redick has the defense locked in and should be trying to maximize the production of his three stars as the postseason approaches. Everybody has to work together, and Hayes is quickly become an X-factor.
Fans may point to Hayes’ lack of rebounds as a concern, but the Lakers have Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves to gobble up boards. The Lakers are picking up the slack for the big man’s weakness, which is a welcome sight.
The Los Angeles Lakers have the perfect big man to pair with Luka Doncic on their roster. Jaxson Hayes has been fantastic and keeps getting better. The Lakers look smart for the rescinded Mark Williams trade and not panicking. Hayes is making that faith pay off, and fans will have to stay tuned to see what’s next from the 25-year-old big man.