Jackson Hayes identifies a key area of ​​improvement

LOS ANGELES – After last season’s playoff flare-up, it saw Jackson Hayes finally benched for the rest of the series, it might come as a surprise to fans that the seven-year-old big man decided to re-sign with Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season.

But with the Lakers off to a strong 19-8 start to the season, Jackson Hayes is plays an important role for the team. He stepped up as the starting center during games when Deandre Ayton was out, and brought his usual energy as part of the second unit.

There is one aspect of Hayes’ game that he has looked to improve over the last few seasons, and that is his short-term decision-making. After the Lakers game last Saturday, Hayes talked about how that part of his game has continued to evolve.

“There’s definitely always room for improvement. I’m trying to play a little bit slower in the pocket, instead of every time I get in the pocket I’m just running and getting ready to try to dunk on somebody,” Hayes said. “I’m trying to really read him and get a good read. I feel like he’s developing a little bit more.”

Hayes continued to develop chemistry with Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll as arguably the Lakers’ best lob threat. But his work in the short roll has improved considerably. After catching the ball, he was able to quickly assess the situation and quickly make a pass to a teammate. He was also able to recognize when he had the advantage in goals, and was able to beat defenders with a low shot.

This season, Hayes has been among the team’s most consistent players, appearing in 24 games, including four starts, while logging just over 17 minutes per game. He averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals on 76.6 percent shooting from the field and 65 percent from the free throw line. Hayes also knocked down his only 3-point shot try of the season so far.

His energetic and impressive play in the first quarter of the season earned Ayton high praise.

“I tell him every time, ‘to be honest, you’re the best big man I’ve played with when it comes to holding your own,'” Ayton said after the Lakers’ practice on Monday. “We have different styles of play … a guy who has momentum, loud thunderous dunks and crowd involvement and getting the team pumped up, instead of me just trying to find a pocket shot. He brings momentum to the team.”

“Even the tries where he drops sometimes, just letting teams know you’ve got to watch your head,” Ayton continued. “You can’t really ask for much. He plays even from the second attempt where the talent is not really visible. Only he really tries and sacrifices. I always give him flowers at every game because he has my back, especially when I’m not playing.”