The 2025 NBA season brought significant changes for the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly in their frontcourt. One name that has emerged in conversations is Jaxson Hayes. As the team navigated the playoffs without Anthony Davis, Hayes found himself thrust into a critical role. In this article, we'll break down his performance, the challenges he faced, and what could lie ahead for both Hayes and the Lakers.

The Lakers' Center Dilemma

When Anthony Davis was traded to Dallas, the Lakers lost their defensive anchor and rim protector. Jaxson Hayes, a young center known for his athleticism and energy, quickly moved up the depth chart. He started in 35 of 56 regular-season games, providing size and presence in the paint. However, the absence of Davis created a tangible void, especially visible during the playoffs.

As highlighted by the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers' inability to protect the rim became a glaring flaw. In Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team allowed 56 points in the paint while only scoring 26 themselves. Despite Hayes' efforts, opponents like Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels exploited this weakness throughout the series.

Jaxson Hayes' Playoff Performance

Hayes' role diminished during the postseason. He averaged just under eight minutes per game, with limited opportunities to impact the outcome. In a revealing interview covered by Yahoo Sports, Jaxson Hayes shared that Lakers head coach JJ Redick chose to explore smaller lineups, asking Hayes to "stay ready."

Despite starting much of the regular season, Hayes struggled when matched up with larger, more skilled centers. Against Rudy Gobert, he found it difficult to maintain defensive integrity and offer reliable rebounding. The Lakers ultimately opted for lineup changes, limiting Hayes' playoff minutes—a decision debated as Gobert delivered a series-defining Game 5.

Coaching Decisions and Roster Implications

JJ Redick addressed his controversial adjustments following the series loss. According to Lakers Nation, Redick defended his choice to bench Hayes for stretches, favoring offensive flexibility over traditional size. He admitted that while the team "executed great," they suffered from missed shots and turnovers more than lineup issues.

Still, the lack of big-man depth—highlighted by the failed Mark Williams trade—left the Lakers exposed. Redick pointed to on-ball defensive breakdowns and poor rebounding as symptoms of this gap. Despite having Hayes on the roster, trust in his postseason contribution seemed limited, leaving questions about his fit on a contending team.

What’s Next for Jaxson Hayes and the Lakers?

Now a free agent, Jaxson Hayes faces an uncertain future. The Lakers' need for size is clear, yet it remains to be seen if Hayes will return or if the franchise will look elsewhere. As reported by Yahoo Sports, Hayes could benefit from the Lakers' ongoing search for serviceable centers, but any return might come with reduced expectations.

The offseason brings major decisions for Lakers management. They must determine if Hayes can be part of a playoff-ready rotation or if an upgrade is essential to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion

Jaxson Hayes stepped up when the Lakers needed size, but the 2025 postseason revealed the team's ongoing center dilemma. His journey encapsulates LA's larger challenges—balancing talent, experience, and roster construction. As the Lakers aim to regroup for a stronger title push, both Hayes and the franchise must evaluate how best to move forward.

For further reading on Hayes' playoff journey, coaching perspectives, and breakdowns of the Lakers' postseason strategy, explore these resources:

• Jaxson Hayes Gets Honest On JJ Redick Not Playing Him In Elimination Game Against Timberwolves – Yahoo Sports
• JJ Redick Discusses Fourth Quarter Struggles & Lack Of Center In Lakers' Series Loss To Timberwolves – Lakers Nation
• Timberwolves expose Lakers' biggest vulnerability during Game 3 – Los Angeles Times