The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move to bolster their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season by re-signing center Jaxson Hayes to a one-year deal, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. While Hayes may not be a household name or a high-scoring star, his contributions on the court have earned him the moniker “efficiency monster” among analysts and fans alike. Despite averaging just 6.8 points per game last season, his efficiency rating (EFF) of 11 highlights his understated yet critical role in the Lakers’ lineup. This move has sparked surprise and intrigue among Lakers fans, who are now learning why the team simply cannot afford to let go of this impactful big man.
A Low-Scoring Center with High Impact
Jaxson Hayes, a 25-year-old, 6-foot-11 center, has never been a focal point of the Lakers’ offense. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game across 56 appearances, starting in 35 of them. His scoring output might seem modest, but his career-high 72.2% field goal percentage underscores his ability to capitalize on high-percentage shots, primarily dunks and layups. Hayes’ efficiency was particularly evident after the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Dončić to Los Angeles in exchange for Anthony Davis. Post-trade, Hayes’ production jumped to 8.1 points per game, and he posted a plus-minus of +78, the fifth-highest on the team.
His efficiency rating of 11, a metric that accounts for points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and turnovers, places him among the league’s most effective role players. Hayes’ ability to finish at the rim, protect the paint, and contribute without needing the ball makes him a perfect complement to star players like Dončić and LeBron James, who dominate the offensive load.
Why the Lakers Can’t Let Him Go
The decision to bring back Hayes comes on the heels of the Lakers’ acquisition of Deandre Ayton from the Portland Trail Blazers, signaling a clear focus on strengthening the center position after trading away Anthony Davis. While Ayton is expected to be the starting center, Hayes’ role as a backup big man is invaluable for several reasons:
Defensive Versatility and Rim Protection: Hayes may not be the most athletic center, but his size and instincts make him a reliable rim protector. His 1.3 blocks per game as a freshman at Duke and his ability to guard pick-and-roll sets effectively add a defensive backbone to the Lakers’ second unit. His presence allows the team to maintain a strong interior defense even when Ayton is off the floor.
Synergy with Luka Dončić: Hayes’ ability to finish lobs and capitalize on Dončić’s playmaking was evident last season. His explosive finishing and knack for positioning himself for easy buckets make him an ideal target for Dončić’s pinpoint passes. This synergy was a key factor in his improved production after the Dončić trade, as the Slovenian’s facilitation opened up opportunities for Hayes to thrive.
Cost-Effective Depth: With the Lakers’ roster now at the maximum of 15 players, Hayes’ one-year deal provides cost-effective depth at a critical position. His ability to deliver high-impact minutes without commanding a massive salary or a high usage rate makes him a valuable asset for a team looking to maximize its championship window with stars like Dončić and James.
Playoff Lessons Learned: Hayes’ limited minutes in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he struggled against Rudy Gobert, drew criticism of coach JJ Redick’s rotations. However, this experience highlighted the need for a reliable backup center who can hold his own against elite big men. Retaining Hayes ensures the Lakers have a player familiar with their system and capable of stepping up in crucial moments.
Fan Reaction: Shock and Appreciation
Lakers fans have taken to social media to express their surprise and growing appreciation for Hayes’ return. Many were initially skeptical about re-signing a player who averaged under 7 points per game, but the revelation of his efficiency metrics and his fit within the team’s new dynamic has shifted opinions. Posts on X have highlighted his hustle, defensive contributions, and chemistry with Dončić, with some fans calling him the “unsung hero” of the Lakers’ bench. Others have pointed out that his low-scoring stat line belies his impact, with one fan tweeting, “6.8 points but an EFF of 11? That’s why we keep Jaxson Hayes! Dude’s a beast in the paint!”
The criticism of Hayes’ limited playoff role has also fueled discussions about how the Lakers can better utilize him in the upcoming season. With Ayton as the primary center, Hayes is expected to play a more defined role as a high-energy backup, allowing him to focus on his strengths—rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring.
A Strategic Move for the Future
The Lakers’ decision to re-sign Jaxson Hayes reflects a broader strategy to build a balanced roster around their star duo of Dončić and James. While Hayes may never be a 20-point scorer, his efficiency, defensive versatility, and chemistry with the team’s playmakers make him an indispensable piece of the puzzle. As the Lakers aim to rebound from their disappointing 2024-25 playoff exit, Hayes’ return provides stability and depth at the center position, ensuring they have the tools to compete against the league’s best.
With the NBA landscape shifting—evidenced by recent blockbuster trades like Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets—the Lakers are making calculated moves to stay competitive. Hayes may not grab headlines, but his impact on the court proves that sometimes, the most valuable players are the ones who do the little things right. For Lakers fans, the “efficiency monster” is here to stay, and they’re just beginning to understand why he’s too important to let go.