Lakers 2024-2025 Player Preview: Jaxson Hayes
As the Los Angeles Lakers head into the 2024-2025 NBA season, Jaxson Hayes is poised for a more significant role in the team’s rotation, particularly with center Christian Wood sidelined due to an offseason procedure.
The big guy has a tremendous chance ahead of Hayes, so he’s focused on making the most of it and improving his game.
Embracing the challenge with Christian Wood out
Hayes talked about the extra burden he’ll carry on Media Day, particularly in the early season while Wood is out.
“Obviously, with Christian being hurt at the start of the year, I’m going to have to step up a lot more,” he explained. “So, really, I’m just trying to excel in that role and keep doing what I did at the end of last season; that’s the goal.”
First set of the game for the Lakers and JJ Redick, fun set.
-Notice Jaxson Hayes spaced in the corner
-Loop Austin Reaves off Rui, catch and hits Hayes right away.
-Rui with a flare for Russell right into a handoff with Hayes
-Help on the roll opens the kick to Rui. pic.twitter.com/rib7LMjY1E— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) October 5, 2024
Hayes is prepared to expand on his solid showing from the previous season when he secured his place in the second unit’s rotation. He recognized that his more prominent position has become more apparent due to his interactions with head coach JJ Redick and the coaching staff.
“We’ve definitely had a few conversations about it. I like how my role was toward the end of the season, leading into this one.”
Jaxson Hayes admitted that it’s definitely been weird to see JJ Redick transition from his former teammate to his new head coach 😂 pic.twitter.com/HNKtUvOrfB
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) September 30, 2024
Learning from Championship-Level Play
Hayes highlighted how much he’s learned about winning basketball after reflecting on his previous season experiences and seeing teammates LeBron James and Anthony Davis play at a championship level.
“It was awesome watching them in Paris play great games,” he commented. “LeBron, even in year 22, is still the face of the team, getting most of the shots. It’s good to watch that because it shows you what you need to do to be a championship-level team around him.”
Hayes is excited to use that lesson to learn how to effectively assist the team’s superstars in the next campaign. He views his time without Christian Wood as an opportunity to show off his development and support the Lakers as they rebuild their squad.
Oh man.
Max Christie is DIFFERENT different this year, huh?
Beautiful pocket bounce pass to Jaxson Hayes for the jam. pic.twitter.com/TSUyKw9WCR
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) October 5, 2024
Offseason Preparations and Skill Development
Hayes spent the summer honing his craft to become more dynamic in his offensive and defensive movements with an eye on his enhanced role.
When asked what he focused on over the offseason, he said, “Just playing out of the pocket, being more dynamic, and making better reads. Whether it’s passing, shooting my little touch shot, or going into the next action—just being more effective and aggressive in my actions.”
Some promising, but VERY early signs about JJ Redick’s offensive coaching. This play really got me up, beautiful high low action with Jaxson Hayes and Dalton Knecht. pic.twitter.com/R5ZoZJkYJ0
— Sheed on the Hawks (@SheedinATL) October 5, 2024
To prevent needless fouls, he also underlined the significance of tidying up some of the little details of his play, such as adjusting cleaner screens.
“Working on my screens without illegal screens, so I don’t pick up one illegal screen a game anymore—just little things like that.”
Defensive Focus: Learning from Anthony Davis
Hayes has been studying the forward to mimic Anthony Davis’ defensive influence when Davis isn’t playing.
“I can try to anchor the defense and do what AD does for our team pretty much whenever he’s out,“ he explained. This learning process is part of watching the film with Davis and the coaching staff, increasing his verticality, and better positioning himself to impede opposing offenses.
He’s motivated to contribute as a defensive force for the Lakers’ second unit, and he and the coaching staff are taking this heightened defensive role seriously.
“Our conversations have just been about how I can be that anchor, learning from AD, and working on being in the right spots at the right time,“ he noted.
Big Opportunity Ahead
Hayes is clearly focused as he gets ready for what may be a breakout season.
He’s been putting in a lot of effort to make sure he’s in top physical shape, psychologically prepared, and locked into the Lakers’ new offensive and defensive strategies since he has the extra duty of replacing Christian Wood early on.
He has spoken with coaches, general manager Rob Pelinka, and players to make sure everyone is aware of his expanded responsibilities.
“I just want to make sure I’m in shape to start the year and really locked in,“ he said. “I’m looking to take full advantage of the time they’re giving me.”
