Los Angeles Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton’s season has been going downhill as the season has progressed. His move has not been as beneficial to the side as head coach JJ Redick might have hoped. This has led the former Dallas Mavericks guard and Doncic’s former teammate, Theo Pinson, to come down hard on the Lakers’ starting center situation and the idea of playing Jaxson Hayes as a starter.
The two top picks of the 2018 NBA draft were brought together by the Lakers before the 2025-26 season in an effort to put right pieces around the Slovenian. However, after a few good games at the start, Ayton has looked completely out of sync with the squad. The lack of chemistry and the team’s frustration were visible in their recent games.
Meanwhile, Jaxson Hayes’ growth cannot be denied. HC Redick has preferred using Hayes as a backup center, even though there has been a lot of chatter about promoting him to be the starting position in place of Ayton. However, Doncic’s former teammate Theo Pinson did not agree with the idea.
Highlighting the issues around Deandre Ayton and Jaxon Hayes on ‘To The Baha’ podcast, Pinson said:
“Right now, you figure out this big situation. I don’t mind Jaxson Hayes being your backup. I don’t think Jaxosn Hayes is a starter. I think he is a very good big who can give you some good minutes. He is not a starting center.”
Hong Lau and other co-hosts of the show immediately disagreed with Pinson’s analysis and pointed out that Hayes had the potential to be a starting center if given an opportunity. The co-hosts added that Hayes can hold his ground against the likes of Ivica Zubac.
The crew went on to compare Hayes with other centers in the league who have made a name for themselves, like Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, and Mitchell Robinson. Fans and analysts have divided opinions on the Lakers’ starting center situation, but the team will have to sort it out as soon as possible.
Is Jaxson Hayes making a case for himself as the Lakers’ starting center?
Even though Deandre Ayton is a high recruit and has shown efficiency, shooting a career-high 66% from the field, his lack of production and absence at the defensive end have not helped his case. Moreover, Luka Doncic’s sync with a center, which might be the most important feature for the team looking to the future, has been absent with Ayton.
On the other hand, Jaxson Hayes has looked completely different this season, as his work on defense is visible. He has worked on his verticality and has not had foul troubles as often as in previous seasons.
With even fewer minutes than the last season, when he averaged career-high numbers, Hayes is averaging 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds this season as well. Head coach JJ Redick will surely look at the possibility of playing Hayes as the starting center if the situation with Ayton persists. For now, the team is expected to play with the same starting squad.
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