Jaxson Reed Hayes, a dynamic and talented basketball player, has made a significant impact in the NBA since joining the Los Angeles Lakers
Known for his athleticism and versatility on the court, Hayes has quickly become a key player for the team.
In this article, we will explore Hayes’ journey to the NBA, his time with the Texas Longhorns, and his current role with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jaxson Hayes has emerged as a rising star in the NBA, showcasing his talent and skill with the Los Angeles Lakers. His journey from college basketball to the professional ranks is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
As he continues to grow and develop as a player, Hayes is poised to make a significant impact in the NBA for years to come.
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Table of Contents
Jaxson Hayes: Contract
Signs Two-Year Deal with Los Angeles Lakers
- Jaxson Hayes, the young center formerly with the New Orleans Pelicans, has inked a significant agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers.1
- The move comes after the Pelicans opted not to extend the $7.7 million qualifying offer on Hayes’ contract, rendering him an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
- The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, will see Hayes join the Lakers for a two-year term, with the player having the option to extend for a third year.
- Hayes’ decision to depart from New Orleans does not come as a surprise, given his underwhelming performance in the 2022-23 season.
- Despite being limited to just 47 games with two starts, Hayes struggled to make a significant impact, averaging 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.0 minutes per game.
- His field goal percentage also dipped to 55.1 percent, marking the first time in his four-year career that he shot under 60 percent in a season.
What’s up guys ✌???? I’m back on Twitter now
— Jaxson Hayes (@hayes_jaxson) January 20, 2019
Hayes’ Move to the Lakers: A Strategic Decision
Hayes’ move to the Lakers signifies a strategic decision for both the player and the team. For Hayes, the opportunity to join a franchise with a rich history and a strong roster could provide the ideal environment for him to further develop his skills and reach his full potential.
Additionally, the player option for the second year of his contract gives Hayes the flexibility to reassess his situation after the first year and potentially pursue other opportunities if necessary.
Impact on the Lakers’ Roster
For the Lakers, Hayes’ signing adds depth to their frontcourt and provides them with a young, athletic center who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
With the departure of key players in the offseason, including Anthony Davis, the Lakers were in need of a player like Hayes who can provide energy and scoring in the paint.
Hayes’ Potential Role with the Lakers
Hayes’ potential role with the Lakers will depend on his ability to adapt to their system and establish chemistry with his new teammates.
With his athleticism and ability to finish around the rim, Hayes could become a valuable asset for the Lakers, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.
Jaxson Hayes’ decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers represents a significant move for both the player and the team.
For Hayes, it offers the opportunity to continue his development in a new environment, while for the Lakers, it provides them with a talented young player who can contribute immediately.
Hayes’ signing adds depth and athleticism to the Lakers’ roster and could prove to be a key factor in their success in the upcoming season.
Jaxson Hayes: Who Is He?
Jaxson Hayes, a rising star in the NBA, has captured the attention of basketball fans with his remarkable talent and energy on the court.2
Born on May 23, 2000, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hayes quickly made a name for himself as a standout player, both in high school and college.
Early Life and High School Career
Growing up in Cincinnati, Hayes discovered his passion for basketball at a young age.
He attended Moeller High School, where he showcased his exceptional athleticism and skills on the court.
Hayes’ talent was undeniable, and he quickly became one of the top prospects in the country.
College Success at the University of Texas
After an impressive high school career, Hayes decided to take his talents to the University of Texas. As a freshman, he wasted no time making an impact.
Hayes averaged an impressive 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, demonstrating his versatility and skill as a player.
Recognition and Achievements
Hayes’ stellar performance on the court did not go unnoticed. He was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.
His ability to score efficiently, combined with his defensive prowess, made him a valuable asset to his team.
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NBA Career with the Los Angeles Lakers
- In the 2019 NBA Draft, Hayes was selected eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Pelicans, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability.
- In August 2022, Hayes was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he continues to impress fans and teammates alike with his skill and determination on the court.
- As a member of the Lakers, Hayes has the opportunity to further showcase his talents on a larger stage and compete for an NBA championship.
- Jaxson Hayes’ journey from a high school standout to an NBA star is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of basketball.
- His electrifying athleticism and boundless energy have made him a fan favorite and a player to watch in the NBA. As he continues to grow and develop as a player, Hayes is sure to leave a lasting impact on the game of basketball.
Jaxson Hayes: Career
Jaxson Hayes began his professional basketball career with the New Orleans Pelicans after being selected as the eighth overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA draft.3
The Pelicans acquired his draft rights in a trade that also involved Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Didi Louzada, as well as a heavily protected 2020 first-round pick, in exchange for De’Andre Hunter and Solomon Hill.
This trade, finalized on July 7, 2019, marked the beginning of Hayes’ NBA journey with the Pelicans.
NBA Debut and Early Performances
Hayes made an impactful debut for the Pelicans on October 10, 2019, showcasing his scoring prowess by putting up 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting against the Golden State Warriors, despite the team’s 11-point loss.
His performance hinted at his potential to become a key player for the Pelicans in the future.
His first career start came on November 17, when he filled in for the injured Derrick Favors. Hayes impressed with a double-double, registering 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a 108–100 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
This marked a significant milestone in his early career, demonstrating his ability to contribute on both ends of the court.
Growth and Development
As the 2019–2020 season progressed, Hayes continued to showcase his skills and versatility. On January 9, 2020, he recorded his second NBA double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in under 24 minutes of play. This performance highlighted his efficiency and impact off the bench.
Hayes’ consistency and improvement were further evident in his back-to-back double-doubles in January 2020.
He recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds against the New York Knicks, followed by a then-career-high 20 points in a game against the Boston Celtics. These performances underscored his growing confidence and ability to deliver when called upon.
Challenges and Triumphs
The 2021–2022 season presented challenges for Hayes, as he initially saw minimal playing time with the Pelicans. However, he capitalized on an opportunity to showcase his skills with the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ NBA G League affiliate, before being recalled to the main squad.
Hayes’ resilience and determination were on full display on January 1, 2022, when he registered a season-high 23 points and seven rebounds in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
This performance highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion and make an impact when given the opportunity.
Playoff Success
- Hayes played a crucial role in the Pelicans’ journey to the playoffs during the 2021–2022 season.
- He helped the team secure a play-in tournament spot with a stellar performance against the Sacramento Kings on April 5, 2022, scoring 23 points and grabbing twelve rebounds in a 123–109 win.
- During the second half of the season, Hayes became a key starter for the Pelicans, averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over the last 23 games.
- His contributions were instrumental in the Pelicans’ qualification for the playoffs after victories over the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers in the play-in tournament.
Playoff Challenges
- In the first round of the playoffs, the Pelicans faced the Phoenix Suns. However, Hayes’ playoff run was marred by controversy when he was ejected during Game 3 for a flagrant 2 foul against Suns forward Jae Crowder.
- Despite this setback, Hayes’ impact on the court was undeniable, finishing the game with four points and six rebounds in just ten minutes of play.
- The Pelicans ultimately lost the series to the Suns in six games, but Hayes’ performance throughout the season and playoffs showcased his growth, resilience, and potential as a rising star in the NBA.
- His journey with the Pelicans has been marked by challenges and triumphs, highlighting his determination to succeed at the highest level of professional basketball.
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