2024-25 Lakers Season Review: Jaxson Hayes…
Jaxson Hayes started the 2024-25 season as Anthony Davis’ backup but found himself in the spotlight after the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic. It’s as if the Lakers had mistaken an NBA trade for a Hollywood casting call and turned Hayes from a background actor into the leading man overnight. The trade caused a need for more frontcourt strength, but a trade for Mark Williams was canceled, forcing Coach JJ Redick to elevate Hayes. Hayes performed like a superhero with a secret lob-catching power, showing real chemistry with Doncic. However, his superpowers took a hit when teams caught on to his lack of rim protection, leading to fewer minutes in the playoffs.
In the playoffs, Hayes found himself more benched than a legendary tree trunk in a national park, as the Timberwolves made it tough for him to thrive. Coach Redick tried playing small-ball lineups with Rui Hachimura and LeBron James as centers, but the Wolves’ rebounds rained down like confetti after a championship win. Throughout the regular season, Hayes was solid, averaging 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.8 blocks. His highlight moment was torching the Pelicans with a perfect 19-point game on 8-for-8 shooting. As he re-signs with the Lakers, he’ll resume his role as a reliable backup big man behind Deandre Ayton.
