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  1. FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:

    Suddenly, the Lakers can trust the center position to produce quality nightly results.

    The Los Angeles Lakers spent the better part of the 2025-26 season struggling to create stability at the center position. Starter Deandre Ayton provided offensive value but struggled on defense, and Jaxson Hayes offered contributions that fluctuated in their quality.

    With Ayton publicly committing to sacrificing for the team and accepting his role, and Hayes becoming a consistent source of two-way quality, however, the Lakers are evolving.

    Hayes has been a breath of fresh air for the Lakers over the past month, taking his game to another level on both ends of the floor. He played just 17.4 minutes per game between his first 41 appearances, averaging 6.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 offensive rebounds, and 0.6 blocks.

    Hayes is playing 19.5 minutes per game over his past 21 appearances, however, increasing his averages to 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 offensive rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.

    Those may not seem like drastic increases on the surface, but to make jumps across the board in just 2.1 extra minutes is a fair reflection of what the film has revealed. Hayes has become more assertive on offense, more aggressive on defense, and has even averaged more than 20 minutes per game over the past 12 outings.

    The past five games have revealed just how capable Hayes truly is of not only improving his output, but helping to stabilize the center position.

    Center is suddenly a strength as Jaxson Hayes steps up for Lakers

    Hayes began his recent stretch of success with six points, five rebounds, three offensive boards, and two blocks in a win over the Miami Heat. He followed that showing with eight points, seven rebounds, two offensive boards, and three blocks against the Orlando Magic.

    Hayes then tallied 11 points, three rebounds, two offensive boards, one assist, four blocks, and two steals against All-Star big Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons.

    That was enough for Lakers fans to see signs of progress that created an inevitable surge in optimism. What Hayes did next, however, blew everyone’s minds. He dropped 21 points, 10 rebounds, two offensive rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and two steals in a rare start against the Indiana Pacers. It was far above his typical level of play or production.

    The next time out, Hayes proved it wasn’t a fluke with 10 points, eight rebounds, two offensive rebounds, one assist, and five blocks.

    Lakers suddenly have depth at a position that was once uncertain

    Though it’s important to look past stats, the Lakers have struggled to generate any kind of consistent production from the second unit in 2025-26. To now have a source of it at a position that was once perceived as a weakness has completely redefined their outlook.

    That’s translated to the fact that the Lakers have a team-best net rating of +11.3 when Hayes is on the court since Feb. 1.

    With Hayes stepping up as the backup and Ayton embracing the need for playing with more energy and intensity, Los Angeles has taken a clear step forward. It’s won 14 of its past 16 games and can attribute at least some degree of its success to its newfound stability at center.

    Only time will tell if Ayton and Hayes can translate their success to the playoffs, but if they can, the Lakers will be able to legitimately compete for a championship.

    • FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:

      Jaxson Hayes is making the Lakers look genius.

      The Los Angeles Lakers are watching Jaxson Hayes become the ideal big man to pair with Luka Doncic, and it cost the franchise nothing to acquire him because he was already on their roster. Number 77 wanted a rim protector and a lob threat from the moment he arrived in LA. The Lakers tried to trade for Mark Williams, but a failed physical nixed the deal. Fans have questioned Ayton’s fit all season, but Hayes is becoming the ideal partner.

      The Lakers have won 14 of their last 16 games and look like a serious title threat. Luka is playing like the MVP, and Hayes is having his own mini breakout during that stretch. The seven-footer averaged 8.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 20.6 minutes per game. He has given head coach JJ Redick an option if Ayton is struggling, and fans know Hayes will finish everything Doncic and the Lakers lob up.

      Hayes is becoming a trusted option at the five. He has blocked a shot in six straight games and is shooting 75 percent from the field over that stretch. The Lakers nearly gave up two first-round draft picks for Mark Williams when a strong option was already on their bench, just awaiting his opportunity.

      Lakers look genius as Jaxson Hayes quietly becomes Luka Doncic’s ideal partner

      Hayes came to Los Angeles in 2023 and has made just over $8 million total in three seasons. The former eighth overall draft pick flamed out in New Orleans and got a fresh start with the Lakers. Nobody knew he would be catching lobs from Luka and trying to play for the Slovenian National Team. The Lakers wanted a backup big with potential, and Hayes is finally fully realizing it.

      Fans know Luka is at his best with a true center on the floor. He had Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford during the Mavericks’ NBA Finals run in 2024. Ayton is slowly buying into his role, but he still struggles to consistently attack the rim. Hayes doesn’t have that problem.

      Between Ayton and Hayes, the Lakers are getting 48 minutes of quality play at the five. They must keep it up throughout the playoffs if LA wants to make a deep run. Coach Redick has the defense locked in and should be trying to maximize the production of his three stars as the postseason approaches. Everybody has to work together, and Hayes is quickly become an X-factor.

      Fans may point to Hayes’ lack of rebounds as a concern, but the Lakers have Luka, LeBron, and Austin Reaves to gobble up boards. The Lakers are picking up the slack for the big man’s weakness, which is a welcome sight.

      The Los Angeles Lakers have the perfect big man to pair with Luka Doncic on their roster. Jaxson Hayes has been fantastic and keeps getting better. The Lakers look smart for the rescinded Mark Williams trade and not panicking. Hayes is making that faith pay off, and fans will have to stay tuned to see what’s next from the 25-year-old big man.

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