Quick Read
- Lakers center Deandre Ayton sustained a knee injury on March 5, 2026, during a game against the Denver Nuggets.
- Jaxson Hayes stepped into an expanded role, scoring 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 27 minutes.
- Lakers Head Coach JJ Redick expressed strong confidence in Hayes’s performance and fit with the team’s stars.
- Ayton’s injury and inconsistent play raise questions about his future with the Lakers and his 2026-27 player option.
- Hayes’s playing style as a rim protector and lob threat is seen as a better strategic fit for the Lakers’ current roster.
DENVER (Azat TV) – Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes has been thrust into a more prominent role following a knee injury sustained by teammate Deandre Ayton during the team’s 120-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This development has reignited discussions about Hayes’s fit within the Lakers’ rotation, with head coach JJ Redick expressing strong confidence in Hayes’s ability to step up and potentially redefine the team’s strategic approach.
Ayton, who has struggled with consistency and previous knee issues, exited the game after just five minutes, failing to return. His early departure provided an immediate opportunity for Hayes, who delivered a standout performance, signaling a potential long-term shift for the Lakers as they push for playoff contention.
Jaxson Hayes Steps Up in Key Matchup
Jaxson Hayes capitalized on the increased playing time against the Nuggets, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 27 minutes. He shot an efficient eight of ten from the field, and the Lakers outscored Denver by seven points when he was on the court. This performance starkly contrasted with Ayton’s brief and ineffective stint, where Los Angeles was outscored by 13 points with him on the floor, managing only two rebounds and missing his sole field goal attempt.
Coach Redick highlighted Hayes’s impact after the game, stating, “Very confident. I thought he was terrific tonight. He played basically 28 minutes, and that was a lot for him… But Jaxson, I definitely have confidence in him.” This endorsement underscores a growing sentiment that Hayes’s skill set, particularly as a rim protector and lob threat, aligns more effectively with the offensive styles of star players Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Unlike Ayton, who has reportedly resisted a more complementary role, Hayes has “zero issues accepting that role,” according to LakeshowLife.com.
Redick’s Confidence and Strategic Implications
JJ Redick’s confidence in Jaxson Hayes extends beyond a single game. Having coached Hayes for 1.5 seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans during Hayes’s rookie years, Redick has witnessed his growth firsthand. “Jaxson’s had a really good season,” Redick remarked after a recent win against the Pelicans, praising Hayes for “making touch shots around the rim” and “making great pocket decisions.” He also noted Hayes’s consistent energy, which he injects into the team through running the floor, blocking shots, and delivering dunks.
This renewed focus on Hayes comes at a critical juncture for the Lakers, who are in a tight race for playoff positioning. Ayton’s struggles, coupled with his injury history, have led to decreasing minutes in crunch time. His current knee issue, without a clear timetable for return, opens the door for Redick to lean into rotations that prioritize Hayes or even smaller lineups featuring Rui Hachimura or LeBron James at the five. These small-ball groupings are seen as crucial for floor spacing and offensive efficiency, even if they present defensive and rebounding challenges.
Deandre Ayton’s Uncertain Future
Deandre Ayton’s injury and performance issues have significant implications for his future with the Lakers. As a former number one overall pick, Ayton joined the Lakers with high expectations but has struggled to consistently deliver the dominant play expected of him. His inability to embrace a role focused on rim protection and lobs, instead aiming for a more featured offensive role, has been a point of contention.
Ayton holds a player option for the 2026-27 season. Should his reputation continue to suffer due to inconsistent play and recurring injuries, he might find himself compelled to accept that option, potentially limiting his future earnings in free agency. The Sporting News highlighted that Ayton’s play with the Lakers “continues to support the argument against him,” suggesting that his tenure may be nearing an inflection point.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ immediate challenge of Deandre Ayton’s knee injury has created an unexpected opportunity for Jaxson Hayes, allowing Coach JJ Redick to pivot towards a rotation that better suits the team’s star power and strategic objectives, potentially signaling a more permanent shift in the team’s approach to its center position.