The Los Angeles Lakers have reintegrated center Jaxson Hayes into a familiar backing role during this offseason, having signed him as a free agent. Hayes, who was thrust into the starting position last season following a trade involving Luka Doncic and an unsuccessful attempt to acquire Mark Williams, has returned to a bench role that head coach JJ Redick appears to favor. While Redick showed confidence in Hayes, his usage has been clearly defined as a player who is not suited for extensive minutes in the starting lineup.
This season, Hayes has participated in 51 games, starting in seven, and is averaging 17.3 minutes per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 77.0% from the field, along with 4.0 rebounds. He has effectively fulfilled the expectations set by Redick and the Lakers, stepping in as a solid backup behind Deandre Ayton and even performing well during crucial moments in games.
Redick, who has experience coaching Hayes as well as playing alongside him during their time with the New Orleans Pelicans, recently praised Hayes’ development as a player. “Jaxson’s had a really good season,” Redick noted after a victory against the Pelicans. He highlighted Hayes’ improvement in making touch shots around the rim and his adeptness at making smart decisions in the game. Redick emphasized that Hayes consistently energizes the team, contributing significantly when he runs the floor and blocks shots or makes explosive dunks.
Despite his success as a backup center, the Lakers are still in search of a definitive answer at the starting center position, and there remains uncertainty regarding whether Hayes will be re-signed as he approaches free agency again this offseason.
In addition to discussing Hayes, Redick reflected on the constant scrutiny and attention that comes with coaching the Lakers, a franchise historically under the public spotlight. He conveyed a sense of normalcy about handling the amplified opinions that surround the team. “I didn’t feel any tension,” he remarked in a light-hearted moment shared with Luka Doncic, noting how prevalent opinions about sports have always been, albeit now more easily accessible through various platforms.
As the season progresses, Hayes continues to solidify his role, and the Lakers are poised to make decisions that could impact their future lineup, with the team’s dynamics expected to evolve as they confront the challenges ahead.