The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of a reliable center became a pressing issue after the trade deadline when they attempted to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, only to have the deal fall through due to a failed physical. Beyond external upgrades, the Lakers are also facing the challenge of retaining their current talent.
Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers’ starting center and an impending unrestricted free agent, is drawing significant interest from other teams.
Los Angeles Lakers Center Jaxson Hayes Drawing Interest
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, Hayes’ “pedigree of being a former lottery pick, age, skill set, and improvement” make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt. While external interest poses a potential challenge, Hayes’ performance has been a positive for the Lakers.
Hayes has demonstrated significant improvement, evidenced by his 71.8 field-goal percentage, the second-highest of his career. His 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes match his personal best, and his 8.7 rebounds per 36 minutes tie for the second-most he’s ever recorded, according to Basketball-Reference.
Moreover, his impact on the team’s performance is evident in his plus-4.9 net differential per 100 possessions, ranking fifth among rotation regulars, per NBA.com. “You can see the difference (of having Hayes in the lineup),” Luka Dončić told reporters. “For me, it helps me a lot.”
Hayes’ athleticism, length, and improved finishing ability have been crucial for the Lakers. However, his defensive inconsistencies and susceptibility to physical play against larger opponents highlight the team’s need for a more dominant interior presence. The Lakers’ initial attempt to acquire Williams reflects their desire for a more impactful center, and this remains a priority for the offseason.
While Hayes has proven to be a valuable contributor, the Lakers require a premier paint protector and lob-finisher. Ideally, they seek a center with additional versatility, such as the ability to switch onto perimeter players, make perimeter shots, facilitate short-roll plays, or initiate transition offense with long outlet passes.
Hayes has performed well enough to warrant a potential pay raise, but the Lakers still need a more dominant center, especially as LeBron James’s career progresses. This reality remains unchanged, despite Hayes’ recent strong performance.