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While a small sample size, 24-year old Jaxson Hayes has become the Lakers’ most valuable role player after big stars Doncic, James, and Reaves. He now has a legitimate chance to become the next great Lakers’ center.

The Lakers have now won 17 of the 20 games that Jaxson Hayes has started at center. During those 20 starts, Hayes averaged 8.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 turnovers, 0.7 steals, 1.2 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game. Hayes shot 73.0% from the field, 0.0% from three, and 66.7% from the line. He posted a strong offensive rating of 116.0 (#13 among centers), an elite defensive rating of 104.6 (#1), and a top-5 net rating of +11.4 (#4).

Hayes’ play has been one of the key factors in the Lakers recent rise to the top-5 contenders to win this year’s NBA championship. Having Hayes rise to the occasion solved the dilemma of whom would start for the Lakers.
But the Lakers still haven’t solved who’s going to play center when Jaxson’s on the bench resting or out with an injury during the recent 4-game losing streak. Right now, Hayes and Koloko are the Lakers’ center rotation.

On the court, Jaxson has not only won the love of Lakers’ fans but also the heart of newly acquired superstar Luka Doncic. Luka has long excelled at pounding defenses with dunk lobs to high flying centers and wings.
The timing and chemistry the two have already created has been electric. Last night’s game against the Phoenix Suns was a perfect example of what an unexpected great fit at center Jaxson Hayes has become in a short time.

There’s no question the Lakers also need a big bodied center who can bang with Jokic and Sabonis as well as a stretch center who can space the court to provide a deep and versatile championship caliber center rotation.
Whether the Lakers pursue a big body like Walker Kessler and/or a stretch five shot and playmaker like Kelly Olynyk, Jaxson Hayes has already shown he is team’s most valuable role player and has a shot at long-term starter.

The style of defense JJ Redick has the Lakers playing right now is perfect for Jaxson Hayes. It will also continue to be important defensively for the Lakers to keep Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic from being switch hunted.
Hayes was not a great fit for drop coverage but for a center who has the quickness of foot and athleticism to defend in space, the icing and hedging that Redick’s new defense demands is a perfect fit for Jaxson Hayes.

Jaxson Hayes’ elite gravity and fit as a vertical lob threat for Luka along with his proven ability to defend in space and improving ability to protect the rim give him a good head start to be the Lakers’ next great center.