Offensive Game
Elite lob finisher and rim-runner. Very limited outside of dunking range. Developing a face-up game but not yet a reliable scorer in the post.
Career Journey
New Orleans Pelicans
2019-2023
Los Angeles Lakers
2023-present
2019 NBA Draft
Selected 8th overall by New Orleans Pelicans
Athletic Rim Runner
Known for explosive dunking ability and lob-catching
Versatile Big
Developed three-point shot to become stretch-five option
Career Earnings
~$25M
Estimated total NBA career salary
| Season | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 66 | 7.5 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 75.6% | 100.0% |
Jaxson Hayes is a long, athletic center whose value comes from vertical rim-running, lob finishing and shot-blocking. The eighth overall pick in 2019 out of Texas, he spent his early career with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Los Angeles Lakers, where he settled in as an energetic backup big. In 2025-26 he averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds across 66 games, finishing efficiently around the rim as a play-finisher alongside the Lakers' creators. At seven feet with real mobility, Hayes offers the kind of rim protection and above-the-rim finishing that keeps a frontcourt rotation athletic and switchable.
Offensive Game
Elite lob finisher and rim-runner. Very limited outside of dunking range. Developing a face-up game but not yet a reliable scorer in the post.
Defensive Game
Good rim protector with elite shot-blocking ability. Needs to improve positioning and defensive discipline. Can be caught out of position.
Intangibles
Still developing his feel for the game. Can be overeager and make mistakes. Improving in his understanding of team defensive concepts.
Personal Life & Family
Status
Single
Parents & Siblings
Off the Court
Cincinnati youth athletics programs
Did You Know?
His father Jonathan Hayes played 12 seasons as a tight end in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Was one of the most athletic players in his draft class — his combine measurements were elite across the board.
Attended the same high school (Moeller) as NFL stars like Barry Larkin and former NFL coaches.
Can dunk from a standstill with minimal gather — one of the most explosive vertical athletes at the center position.
Career Honors
8th overall pick (2019)
Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2019)
NBA Rising Stars selection
Official Jerseys
99.99
Check Price on NBA Store
81.75
Check Price on NBA Store
105.00
Check Price on NBA Store
676.49
Check Price on NBA Store
99.99
Check Price on NBA Store
86.50
Check Price on NBA Store
107.00
Check Price on NBA Store
105.00
Check Price on NBA Store
88.00
Check Price on NBA StoreLos Angeles Lakers · Official
168.75
Check Price on NBA StoreAffiliate link · Disclosure
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
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