The Los Angeles Lakers have a void to address at center. It seems unlikely to transpire in an adequate manner in 2024-25, but head coach JJ Redick has done a magnificent job of navigating the rocky terrain since the team made the controversial decision to trade Anthony Davis.
Thankfully, the Lakers appear to have figured out the first half of addressing the void at center: The increased production and quality from Jaxson Hayes.
Filling 48 minutes against a team with an All-Star center will prove difficult over the course of a seven-game series. Los Angeles has taken a significant step forward, however, with Hayes' improvement playing a prominent role in that success.
The former lottery pick has taken on an increase in responsibilities and responded by producing one of the best stretches of his Lakers career.
Since Jan. 30, Hayes has produced averages of 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.0 steal in just 22.1 minutes per game. Those numbers translate to 12.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 offensive boards, 2.8 assists, 2.2 blocks. and 1.6 steals per 36 minutes.
Beyond the individual production, Hayes has taken on the challenge of matching up against top players at his position and responded with strong showings.
Jaxson Hayes proving ready for challenge Lakers anticipated
Tasked with starting at center against an Indiana Pacers team that sought to pay through Pascal Siakam and his interior scoring, Hayes tallied nine points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Challenged by former Lakers trade target Walker Kessler, he posted 12 points, three steals, and a block.
It may not be quite the same as holding one's own against Nikola Jokic, but Hayes even helped the Lakers limit the three-time MVP to 2-of-7 shooting.
It's been the most rewarding element of Hayes' recent ascension to starting-caliber status. His individual production has fluctuated in some regards, but he's found a way to make a positive impact on the team depending on what the matchup calls for.
The result is the astounding fact that the Lakers are outscoring opponents by an absurd 17.8 points per 100 possessions with Hayes on the court since Jan. 30.
That number may not be sustainable, but Hayes has quietly helped the Lakers throughout the 2024-25 season. Expanding the sample size to the entire season, Los Angeles is outscoring opponents by 4.7 points per 100 possessions when he's on the court.
That's an accurate depiction of how he's managed to give the Lakers solid minutes in which he provides energy and athleticism at center.
The question facing Los Angeles, however, is how they plan to occupy the minutes Hayes isn't on the court for. For as solid as he's been, they've found an ideal niche for him in a limited role that allows him to go all-out when he's on the floor.
Thankfully, the Lakers have solved half of the problem with Hayes emerging as a quality option to receive consistently respectable minutes from.
