The Los Angeles Lakers are going through some growing pains right now, as injuries and inconsistent play have them with just a 4-6 record over their last 10 games. While Luka Doncic and LeBron James have been putting up big numbers, it hasn't translated to much winning over the past couple of games.

One area of weakness for the Lakers as of late has been at center, as Deandre Ayton is a shell of himself to begin 2026, averaging 11.5 points and 7.8 rebounds through five games, in comparison to him averaging 16.6 points and 9.0 rebounds in November. With his regression, it has opened the door for Jaxson Hayes to get more opportunities.

In his past 10 games, Hayes is averaging 8.2 points and 4.0 rebounds on 82.1% shooting from the field, with the December 23rd contest versus the Phoenix Suns weighing down his averages due to him playing just five minutes.

"I love playing with him, down the stretch," Doncic said. "I think we have great chemistry. Obviously, that pick-n-roll. Like I said, last two to three games, he's improved so much in everything. I'm really glad he's on the team."

Once upon a time, Jaxson Hayes was a top center prospect, being drafted eighth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, with the franchise looking to create their frontcourt of the future alongside Zion Williamson.

Hayes would peak in his third season with the Pelicans, averaging 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, appearing in 70 games and 28 starts. It was clear at that point that while he had the potential to be an elite rim-protecting, pick-and-roll big, that just wasn't going to be the case. Therefore, the Pelicans let him walk in free agency in 2023, as he ended up with the Lakers.

He hasn't been bad in his career, ranking ninth among 2019 draftees in win shares, but hasn't lived up to the expectations of a Top 10 pick. Hayes is currently playing out a one-year, $3.4 million deal with the Lakers, but is still doing enough to earn a spot as a cheap backup center around the NBA.

Still just 25 years old, there's still hope that he could improve, but he hasn't changed much across his seven years in the NBA. However, if he can be that backup center for the Lakers and someone Doncic is comfortable with, then there's nothing wrong with that.