After the Los Angeles Lakers landed Luka Doncic in that stunning early February trade, Jaxson Hayes was their only true center who was on a standard contract. While he often made a concerted effort to help them out, his limitations were clear, and they were usually at a disadvantage in the middle.
He averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 19.5 minutes a game during the regular season, and he provided Doncic with a lob threat. However, in the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he was practically invisible, as he played just 7.8 minutes a game throughout the series.
Once it was over, he did say that he felt he improved this season.
Via Lakers Nation:
“I feel like I grew a good amount in certain ways,” Hayes said in his exit interview when reflecting on his year. “On the defensive end, stepping up and showing that I can compete at that high level and not just be a backup for a team. I feel like I showed I can be out there playing more. Obviously there’s still a ton of things that I need to work on, but I felt pretty good throughout the season.”
The Lakers will undoubtedly make a strong effort to secure a clear upgrade at the center position. Hayes will be a free agent this summer, but there may be a good chance he sticks around, especially considering the Lakers’ lack of trade assets that they could use to acquire multiple big men capable of playing the center position.