Jaxson Hayes throws down a one-handed jam and is fouled.

Since the offseason, it’s been no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers were searching for a starting caliber center, even when Anthony Davis was still on the team. Before the blockbuster trade, Davis made it clear that he wanted a center alongside him in the lineup.

Jaxson Hayes had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers, and also hit Naz Reid in the face with a basketball. It was the kind of play that was overshadowed by LeBron James going crashing into the first row and taking out mulitple seats moments earlier,

LeBron James finds Jaxson Hayes for the alley-oop slam. LeBron James finds Jaxson Hayes for the alley-oop slam

Hayes supplied 19 points (8-8 FG, 3-3 FT) and 10 rebounds across 24 minutes during Tuesday's 136-115 win over the Pelicans. Hayes recorded his second double-double of the season and continues to trend in the right direction in fantasy formats.

Green light to play Friday

Hayes (hip) has been listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Clippers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports. Hayes suffered a left hip contusion during Thursday's win against the Timberwolves and now might be unable to play in the second game of a back-to-back Friday against the Clippers.

Consider this moment from Sunday night’s win over the Clippers: Jaxson Hayes got a defensive rebound, handed the ball to Luka Doncic, who took one step forward and fired a 75-foot two-hand chest pass downcourt to LeBron James — who caught it in stride and capped the play with an easy layup.

Consider this moment from Sunday night’s win over the Clippers: Jaxson Hayes got a defensive rebound, handed the ball to Luka Doncic, who took one step forward and fired a 75-foot two-hand chest pass downcourt to LeBron James — who caught it in stride and capped the play with an easy layup.

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/)

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