Jaxson Hayes has established himself as one of the most efficient finishing big men in the NBA, currently playing a pivotal role for the Los Angeles Lakers. As of the 2025-26 season, Hayes has seen a significant uptick in his responsibilities and efficiency metrics, particularly following major roster shifts in the Lakers' frontcourt.

To answer the primary search query immediately: In the 2025-26 regular season, Jaxson Hayes is averaging 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, while shooting a career-high 75.6% from the field across 66 appearances. His career averages stand at 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds over 433 regular-season games.

Current Season Breakdown: The 2025-26 Campaign

The 2025-26 season represents a turning point for Hayes. With the Lakers adjusting their rotation strategies, Hayes has provided much-needed vertical spacing and rim protection.

Standard Statistics (2025-26)

Metric Value
Games Played 66
Minutes Per Game 18.3
Points Per Game 7.5
Rebounds Per Game 4.1
Field Goal Percentage 75.6%
Free Throw Percentage 65.3%
Blocks Per Game 0.8

His efficiency this season is largely attributed to his shot selection. Hayes continues to lead the team in "True Shooting Percentage" among rotation players, primarily scoring through transition dunks, alley-oops, and put-backs.

Recent Game Log and Impact

In recent matchups during late 2025 and early 2026, Hayes has shown flashes of being a high-level starter. For instance, in a November victory against Miami, he recorded 15 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting in 32 minutes of play. This performance highlighted his ability to capitalize on the gravity created by the Lakers' perimeter stars.

Conversely, his role off the bench remains his most frequent deployment. When playing under 15 minutes, his energy as a "spark plug" big man often results in high-impact defensive stretches, even if the raw box score numbers appear modest.

Career Statistical Progression

To understand the current value of Jaxson Hayes, one must look at his trajectory from being the 8th overall pick in 2019 to his current status in Los Angeles.

New Orleans Pelicans Era (2019–2023)

During his four seasons in New Orleans, Hayes was viewed as a high-upside prospect. His most productive year statistically was 2021-22, where he averaged 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds while starting 28 games.

  • 2019-20: 7.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 67.2% FG
  • 2020-21: 7.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 62.5% FG
  • 2021-22: 9.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 61.6% FG
  • 2022-23: 5.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 55.1% FG

The dip in his final year with the Pelicans was primarily due to a crowded rotation, leading to his eventual move to the Lakers in free agency.

Los Angeles Lakers Transition (2023–Present)

Since joining the Lakers, Hayes has focused on a more specialized role. He has simplified his game to focus on three core areas: finishing at the rim, defending the paint, and running the floor.

  • 2023-24: 4.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 72.0% FG (70 games)
  • 2024-25: 6.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 72.2% FG (56 games, 35 starts)

The jump in starts during the 2024-25 season was a result of the Anthony Davis trade to Dallas, which forced Hayes into the spotlight. He responded by maintaining elite efficiency despite the increased defensive attention.

Advanced Metrics and Efficiency Analysis

Beyond the basic points and rebounds, advanced analytics reveal why Hayes is a valuable asset in the modern NBA.

Efficiency Ratings

Jaxson Hayes has consistently posted a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) above the league average of 15.0 throughout his career.

  • Career PER: 16.8
  • 2024-25 PER: 15.8
  • 2025-26 Estimated PER: 17.2

His high PER is driven by his elite Field Goal Percentage. In the 2025-26 season, his 75.6% shooting is among the best in NBA history for players with at least five field goal attempts per game. This "low volume, high efficiency" profile makes him the perfect complement to high-usage guards.

Defensive Impact and Block Rates

Hayes utilizes his 7-foot frame and 220-pound build to act as a deterrent in the paint. His block percentage (the percentage of opponent two-point field goal attempts blocked by the player while he is on the floor) has hovered around 3.8% over his career.

While he is not a traditional "bruiser" center, his lateral quickness allows him to switch onto smaller players more effectively than many other centers in his height class. This versatility is reflected in his Defensive Win Shares, which saw a notable increase in the 2025-26 season.

Shooting Splits: Where the Points Come From

A deep dive into Hayes' shooting splits reveals a player who understands his limitations and plays strictly to his strengths.

Distance-Based Shooting

Distance from Rim FG% (Career) % of Total Attempts
0-3 Feet 77.9% 63.1%
3-10 Feet 48.1% 24.8%
10-16 Feet 32.5% 2.7%
16 Feet - 3P 41.2% 1.1%
3-Pointers 26.1% 7.7%

Over 63% of Hayes' career shots come from within three feet of the basket. In the 2025-26 season, this concentration has increased to nearly 70%, explaining his record-breaking shooting percentages. He has almost entirely eliminated the mid-range jumper from his arsenal, focusing instead on being a premier lob threat.

Free Throw Performance

One area of relative weakness has been free throw shooting. While he showed promise in 2020-21 with a 77.5% mark, his recent seasons with the Lakers have seen him settle in the mid-60s (62.2% in 2024-25 and 65.3% in 2025-26). For a center who draws significant contact on dunks, improving this metric remains a key development goal.

Playoff Statistics and High-Pressure Performance

Hayes has appeared in 14 playoff games throughout his career, including stints with both the Pelicans and the Lakers.

  • Total Playoff PPG: 3.1
  • Total Playoff RPG: 2.5
  • Average Minutes: 9.8

In the postseason, his role typically shrinks as teams move toward "small-ball" lineups. However, his performance in the 2022 playoffs with New Orleans (5.8 PPG) remains his most productive postseason stretch to date. In the 2025 playoffs with the Lakers, he started four games but saw limited minutes (7.8 MPG), averaging 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds.

Role Evolution: The "Sideshow Jax" Impact

Nicknamed "Sideshow Jax" for his high-energy play and distinctive look, Hayes has evolved from a raw athlete into a disciplined system player. In the 2025-26 Lakers offensive scheme, his primary role is to serve as the "roll man" in pick-and-roll sets.

When paired with elite playmakers, Hayes' ability to catch and finish in traffic is elite. Data from the 2025-26 season shows that over 80% of his made field goals are assisted, underscoring his reliance on—and chemistry with—the Lakers' backcourt.

How does Jaxson Hayes compare to other NBA Centers?

When comparing Hayes to other rotation centers like Dereck Lively II or Robert Williams III, his value proposition lies in his availability and offensive efficiency. While he may not provide the high-volume rebounding of a Domantas Sabonis or the floor spacing of a Brook Lopez, his 75.6% FG% provides a "guaranteed" two points when he gets the ball near the rim.

Player PPG RPG FG% PER
Jaxson Hayes (25-26) 7.5 4.1 75.6% 17.2
Average Rotation Center 8.2 6.5 58.0% 15.0

Hayes outperforms the average backup center in efficiency and PER, though he trails slightly in rebounding rate due to his lean frame.

Summary of Professional Milestones

  • Drafted: 8th overall, 2019 NBA Draft (Atlanta Hawks, traded to New Orleans).
  • College: University of Texas (Big 12 Freshman of the Year 2019).
  • Career High Points: 23 (Multiple times, most recently in 2022).
  • Career High Rebounds: 12 (Multiple times, most recently in 2022).
  • Recent Achievement: Re-signed with the Lakers on a one-year contract in July 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Jaxson Hayes' average stats for the current season?

As of the 2025-26 season, Jaxson Hayes is averaging 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game in approximately 18.3 minutes of action.

What is Jaxson Hayes' career-high field goal percentage?

In the 2025-26 season, Hayes is shooting a career-high 75.6% from the field. His career average is approximately 66.5%.

How tall is Jaxson Hayes and what position does he play?

Jaxson Hayes is 7'0" (213 cm) tall and weighs 220 lbs (100 kg). He primarily plays the Center position, though he can occasionally slide to Power Forward in "twin tower" lineups.

Which teams has Jaxson Hayes played for in the NBA?

Hayes played for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2019 to 2023. He signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 and has remained with the team through the 2025-26 season.

Is Jaxson Hayes a good defender according to stats?

Statistically, Hayes is an effective rim protector with a career block rate of 3.8%. While his defensive rebounding is average for his size, his ability to switch onto perimeter players makes him a modern defensive asset.

Conclusion

The statistical profile of Jaxson Hayes in 2026 describes a player who has mastered the art of the "vertical spacer." By focusing on high-percentage finishes and leveraging his elite athleticism, Hayes has become a vital component of the Los Angeles Lakers' rotation. While he may not be a high-volume scorer, his 75.6% field goal percentage and steady defensive presence ensure that he provides positive value every minute he is on the court. As he continues through the 2025-26 season, his ability to maintain this historic level of efficiency will be a key factor in the Lakers' pursuit of a deep playoff run.