Many skeptics were quick to catastrophize the Los Angeles Lakers' situation in the frontcourt as a doomsday scenario after the NBA trade deadline had passed and the team was left with Jaxson Hayes as the only notable option down low. With well over a month having passed since the deadline, it has been clear that the sky is certainly not falling in Los Angeles.
JJ Redick and his staff have implemented a lot of small ball lineups to cover up for the lack of depth in the frontcourt rotation. However, a lot of credit should be given to Hayes as well. The sixth-year pro has done a serviceable job at center, executing what has been asked of him in his role fairly well.
The experience has offered an opportunity to see just how much Luka Doncic is capable of elevating the big men he plays with. It should have also reassured Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office why it will be important to eventually get the upgrade at the position that they missed out on initially.
Upgrading the frontcourt will take the Lakers to the next level
The argument here is simple. Hayes has looked like a much better player since the arrival of Doncic in Los Angeles. In the 13 games that the Lakers center has played since Luka donned purple and gold for the first time, Hayes has averaged 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 0.8 steals while shooting a sizzling 77.3 percent from the field.
The Lakers big man should certainly not be absolved of credit for buying into what the team is doing and delivering to the best of his ability. However, it is tough to deny the aspects in which it is clear Doncic has elevated his running mate.
Offensively, the job has been simple: roll to the rim, be a lob threat, and create an outlet for Luka's elite vision and passing ability. The duo have managed to find consistent results by executing that simple formula.
There is no doubt Hayes has proven himself a good fit with Doncic and should be brought back this offseason when the Texas alumni hits unrestricted free agency. However, slotting him back into the backup spot would be best for the Lakers.
When an opportunity to acquire another talented, athletic big man arises for Pelinka, the front office should not pass it up. If Doncic is capable of getting the best basketball that Hayes has played in his career out of him, adding an imposing threat down low will undoubtedly be the piece that takes the Lakers offense to new heights in 2025-26.
