Lakers 2025-26 Player Previews: Jaxson Hayes
As the Lakers enter the 2025-26 season, Jaxson Hayes arrives with different expectations than before. He’s no longer projected as a core starter but rather as a depth piece, and his main challenge is now to make the limited minutes count.
JAXSON HAYES OVER DEVIN BOOKER IN PRESEASON 😳
Book had to get ’em back with the and-one on the other end 😅 pic.twitter.com/Rs3x8IMlwx
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 4, 2025
Hayes re-signed with the Lakers on a one-year, $3.45 million deal, roughly a 120% raise over his prior salary. Because it’s a short-term contract, there’s little security, and Hayes has to earn his place in the rotation again this season.
The Lakers’ signing of Ayton this summer clearly signaled an upgrade at the center position. With Ayton expected to start, Hayes will likely slot in as the second or third option on the court.
When speaking at Lakers Media Day, Hayes said he was excited to return and build on what the team started last season. He mentioned that he met with JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka after the season ended, and both expressed that they wanted him back.
Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Hayes’ agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, finalized a contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/fZOeqVyo9u
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2025
This move puts Hayes in more of a backup role. Now he just needs to make the most of his minutes and prove that he can be a dependable option off the bench.
What Jaxson Hayes Showed in 2024-25
Hayes played in 56 games, starting 35 of them. He averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and one assist in about 19.5 minutes per game. His field goal rate was extremely high at 72.2 percent, mostly driven by shots at the rim and lob chances.
On defense, though, Hayes’ numbers weren’t spectacular. In the last 20 games of the season, his defensive rating hovered around 116.7.
He struggled more when asked to guard in space or handle switches. He also ran into some foul trouble in key stretches, especially in the playoffs, which limited his usefulness.
Still, he was an effective lob catcher and finisher when his role was clear and the offense flowed. He understood his finishing lanes, and in stretches, he looked energetic and capable of attacking second-chance opportunities.
This season, Hayes just needs to keep doing what he does well while working on his weaknesses.
What’s Changed This Offseason
Hayes made a deliberate push to change physically. He added roughly 20 pounds of “healthy weight” over the offseason to help him absorb contact in the paint. He worked with the Lakers’ strength staff, nutritionist, and his own team to gain strength without sacrificing too much mobility.
That physical change could help him hold his ground inside and improve as a rebounder, two areas where he’s struggled in the past.
The addition of Ayton also means that Hayes will face more competition for minutes. He’ll need to make his presence felt right away to stay in the rotation.
Jaxson Hayes mentioned during the Lakers’ Media Day that he put on some weight during the offseason.
Asked him how he felt that difference play out during training camp: pic.twitter.com/CoNvJ8Jihv
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 3, 2025
Projection
Hayes’ success in the 2025-26 season will depend on his ability to adapt to a reduced role, improve his defensive consistency, and capitalize on his athletic strengths. While competition for minutes is heightened, Hayes has the opportunity to solidify his position as a valuable contributor off the bench.
