In his first year as a Laker, Jaxson Hayes learned and grew a lot as a player under Anthony Davis’ guidance.
The Jaxson Hayes experience with the Lakers was a fascinating one in the 2023-24 season.
He tied his career high of games played, participating in 70 matchups for the Lakers, but did so while averaging a career-low in minutes played at 12.5.
This dip in playing time led to mediocre numbers, averaging 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Despite these statistics, Hayes was focused on the positives and things he learned playing alongside an elite big man in Anthony Davis during his exit interview.
“I learned a ton this whole year. Just coming from individual workouts, group workouts with me and (AD), just watching what he does in the games, trying to get good positioning on stuff, watching film with him, all types of stuff,” Hayes said. “He’s just been a huge help all year and been a great role model all year.”
During his best moments, Hayes was electrifying. He scored a handful of points by just dunking with authority and making a respectable effort on the defensive side of the ball.
At his worst, he was horrendous at setting screens, unable to create his own shot and appeared lost if a play fell apart even slightly.
Hayes signed a two-year contract with a player option for the second season with the Lakers last summer. If he wants to return and play with Davis in Los Angeles, all he needs to do is opt in as Christian Wood has done.
The Lakers have been on an ongoing quest to find an elite backup center to pair with Davis. They’ve had great ones like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee and disappointments like Wenyen Gabriel and Thomas Bryant. They’ve all come and gone and no one has had any staying power.
Can Hayes develop enough to be that person alongside Davis, or will the Lakers have to be aggressive in the trade market to improve the roster?
It likely will be a combination of the two, as the Lakers can’t give up on choosing continuity after one season but clearly need a better roster to win it all.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.