Introduction Jaxson Hayes is a name gaining prominence in the world of professional American basketball. Born on May 23, 2000, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hayes has become a promising center in the National Basketball Association (NBA), currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. With an impressive height of 2.11 meters and an athletic physique that stands out on the court, he is known for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding, and dominant presence in the paint. His basketball journey began early and has evolved into a career filled with challenges and achievements. This article explores Hayes’ life, career, and the most recent updates, showing why he remains a relevant figure in the sport. At 25 years old in 2025, Hayes represents the new generation of athletes who combine natural talent with determination, inspiring fans around the world.
Hayes is not just a basketball player; he carries a strong family legacy in sports and athletics in general. His father, Jonathan Hayes, was an All-American tight end at the University of Iowa and played 12 seasons in the NFL, as well as coaching professional teams. His mother, Kristi Hayes, shone in college basketball at Drake University, where she was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1995. This athletic lineage shaped young Jaxson from an early age, preparing him for the rigors of elite basketball. Throughout his career, Hayes has demonstrated resilience, overcoming injuries and team changes to establish himself as a reliable defensive pillar. In a sport where competition is fierce, his constant evolution keeps him on the radar of coaches and fans.
Early Life and Family Jaxson Hayes’ story begins in a family deeply rooted in sports. When he was just three years old, his family moved from Norman to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up and developed his love for basketball. The middle child among three siblings—with an older sister and two younger brothers—Hayes was influenced by the competitive environment at home. His father, Jonathan, not only played in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers but also served as tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, bringing lessons of discipline and hard work to the family table. His mother, Kristi, a standout college basketball player, directly encouraged Jaxson’s interest in the orange ball sport.
From a young age, Hayes showed signs of exceptional talent. He attended Moeller High School in Cincinnati, an institution known for its strong basketball program. As a freshman, he measured just 1.80 meters, but experienced remarkable growth, reaching 2.11 meters by the end of high school. This physical transformation was crucial for his transition to high-level basketball. During the summer before his senior year, Hayes participated in the Junior International Tournament (JIT) in Lissone, Italy, where he led Team Ohio to its fifth title. In these international competitions, he began to showcase his athletic potential, combining speed, strength, and defensive instinct.
At Moeller High School, Hayes stood out as one of the country’s best centers. In his senior year, he averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks per game, earning national recognition. His playing style—aggressive in the paint, with explosive jumps and perfect timing for blocks—attracted college scouts. He received numerous scholarship offers but chose the University of Texas, drawn by coach Shaka Smart and the Longhorns’ ambitious program. This decision marked the start of a formative phase in his career, where he learned the fundamentals of college basketball in a high-pressure environment. Off the court, Hayes was a dedicated student, balancing studies and intense training, reflecting the family balance he always prioritized.
High School Career Jaxson Hayes’ high school career was a true spectacle of growth and dominance. At Moeller High School, he not only evolved physically but also mentally, transforming from a promising player into a state star. His progress was remarkable: from a 1.80-meter freshman, he became a 2.11-meter giant with wingspan that made him a constant threat to opponents. School coaches described him as a “natural athlete,” capable of covering the court quickly despite his size, and with a work ethic that set him apart from his peers.
One standout moment came at the 2018 JIT tournament in Italy. Representing Team Ohio, Hayes was the defensive pillar of the team, blocking crucial shots and dominating offensive rebounds. His performance earned international praise and solidified his reputation as an Olympic-caliber talent. Back in the United States, he led Moeller to a victorious season, helping the team reach deep into the Ohio state playoffs. His stats—12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks per game—understate his qualitative impact; Hayes was the anchor that allowed his teammates to shine from the perimeter.
College recruitment was intense. Schools like Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina courted him, but Hayes opted for Texas for personal and academic reasons. He saw the Longhorns program as a place where he could develop his game without the excessive spotlight of more traditional programs. This strategic choice paid dividends, preparing him for the professional leap. In high school, Hayes learned valuable lessons about leadership and resilience, especially dealing with minor injuries that tested his patience. His journey in this phase planted the seeds for an NBA career, where he would continue to grow as an athlete and person.
College: Season with the Texas Longhorns Jaxson Hayes’ only season at the University of Texas in 2018-19 was short but impactful. Under Shaka Smart, he entered as a freshman off the bench but quickly became indispensable. In 32 games played, Hayes posted averages of 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game, shooting with 59.7% field goal efficiency. His debut was explosive: 11 points in just 12 minutes against Arizona State, signaling his immediate potential.
Smart promoted him to the starting lineup in December 2018 after Hayes showed consistency in practice. As a starter, he elevated his game, especially on defense, where his presence in the paint forced opponents to alter shots. One memorable game was against Gonzaga, where Hayes contributed 18 points and eight rebounds, helping the Longhorns to a surprising victory. His versatility—able to run the court like a wing and protect the rim like a true center—set him apart from other freshmen.
However, the season was not without challenges. Hayes dealt with muscle fatigue and academic pressure, but used these obstacles to mature. The Longhorns finished with a 16-16 record, missing the NCAA tournament, but Hayes declared for the NBA Draft after the year, a decision supported by analysts who saw him as a pro-ready talent. His time at Texas was a springboard, where he refined skills like defensive positioning and finishes near the basket. Graduating as one of the Big 12’s most productive freshmen, Hayes left Austin with renewed confidence for the next level.
NBA Draft and Professional Beginnings The 2019 NBA Draft was the gateway to Jaxson Hayes’ professional career. Selected 8th overall by the Atlanta Hawks, his rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for future picks. This transaction took him to a rebuilding franchise, where he joined young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. His Summer League debut was promising, with Hayes recording double-doubles and impressive blocks, generating buzz among fans.
In his rookie 2019-20 season, Hayes played 64 games, mostly off the bench. His numbers—7.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 17.8 minutes—highlighted his efficiency (65.4% shooting). He benefited from Alvin Gentry’s system, which emphasized fast transitions, allowing his athleticism to shine. An iconic moment was his poster dunk over a Lakers defender, which went viral and earned him the nickname “Sideshow Jax.” Despite inconsistencies, Hayes showed star flashes, especially in games against Western Conference rivals.
The pandemic interrupted the league, but Hayes used the time for individual training, focusing on strength and mid-range shooting. His evolution continued in subsequent seasons, solidifying him as a reliable reserve for the Pelicans. In 2022-23, he signed with the Lakers as a free agent, seeking more minutes. This change marked a new era, where he would compete for time on a playoff contender team. The 2019 Draft not only validated his college talent but launched him into a league where he would learn hard lessons about adaptation and consistency.
Career with the New Orleans Pelicans Jaxson Hayes’ years with the New Orleans Pelicans were a rollercoaster of opportunities and learning. From 2019 to 2023, he evolved from raw rookie to valuable rotation piece. In his first season, Hayes adapted to the NBA’s frenetic pace, contributing to a team that finished with 30 wins. His paint defense was a trump card, with 0.8 blocks per game, helping contain opposing big men like Nikola Jokic.
In 2020-21, with injuries affecting the roster, Hayes earned more minutes, posting 9.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 23 starts. He stood out in playoff series against the Lakers, where his offensive rebounds were crucial. However, offensive inconsistencies—like low free-throw percentage—limited him. The 2021-22 season saw improvements, with Hayes helping the Pelicans return to the playoffs, though they were eliminated early.
The turning point came in 2022-23, when he signed an extension, but knee injuries sidelined him for periods. Despite this, his tenacity kept him relevant, with averages of 6.6 points and 3.5 rebounds. Hayes learned from veterans like Larry Nance Jr., refining his pick-and-roll game. His departure from the Pelicans in 2023 was amicable, opening doors to new adventures. Those years in New Orleans shaped Hayes into a resilient professional, ready to contribute in any system.
Transition to the Los Angeles Lakers Signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2023 represented an ambitious chapter in Jaxson Hayes’ career. Joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he sought a role on an elite team. Initially a reserve, Hayes saw limited minutes in the 2023-24 season, but his defensive energy kept him on the roster. He contributed in key wins, like blocks against the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.
The 2024-25 season was transformative. With Anthony Davis traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Hayes assumed the starting center role in 35 games, posting averages of 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 19.5 minutes. His impact was immediate: he anchored the Lakers’ defense, helping the team to a solid campaign. Moments like high-fives with new teammate Luka Doncic highlighted his on-court chemistry. Despite excessive fouls in some games, Hayes showed maturity, adapting to a system emphasizing spacing and transitions.
In July 2025, Hayes re-signed with the Lakers on a one-year deal above the minimum, demonstrating mutual trust. He waived an implicit no-trade clause, giving the franchise flexibility. This transition not only elevated his status but positioned him as a mentor to young players, solidifying his place in Los Angeles.
Recent Performance and 2025 Season Entering the 2025-26 season, Jaxson Hayes is at the peak of his form at 25 years old. After a preseason marked by a left knee contusion, he returned strong, available for key games like against the Minnesota Timberwolves in November 2025. In a tight 116-115 win over the Timberwolves, Hayes contributed two points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 13 minutes—a versatile line highlighting his utility.
As the backup to newly acquired Deandre Ayton, Hayes competes with Maxi Kleber for minutes, but his athleticism keeps him relevant. In the opener against the Golden State Warriors, he could see increased time if Kleber (abdomen) is out. His last season averages—6.8 points on 72% shooting—position him as an efficient option. On November 3, 2025, Hayes is confirmed for the game against the Miami Heat, where he is expected to start, per reports. His focus on defense and rebounding remains his strength, with coaches praising his ability to energize the bench.
Minor injuries, like the knee issue, left him questionable for some matchups, but Hayes has managed his health well. With 56 games in 2024-25 (35 as starter), he accumulated valuable experience. Recent updates show him in excellent physical form, ready to contribute to a competitive Lakers team. His high-flying dunk against the Sacramento Kings in a recent game went viral, reminding fans of his “Sideshow Jax” nickname.
Personal Life and Controversies Off the court, Jaxson Hayes maintains a discreet life, focused on family and philanthropy. He is active on social media, sharing workouts and moments with his siblings. His connection with teammate Luka Doncic is notable; in March 2025, a photo of their high-five became iconic.
In 2021, Hayes faced controversy when arrested for alleged domestic assault in Los Angeles. A leaked video showed the incident, prompting the NBA to reopen investigations. He denied the allegations, and the case was resolved without conviction, but it served as a lesson about privacy. Hayes used the experience to grow, emphasizing responsibility in interviews.
Latest Updates: Slovenian Passport and Future In October 2025, Hayes announced plans to obtain a Slovenian passport, aiming to play for Luka Doncic’s national team in the offseason. “They came to me with the idea,” he said, excited about representing Slovenia in international tournaments. This initiative reflects his openness to new cultures and desire to expand horizons beyond the NBA.
In the current season, with the Lakers eyeing deep playoffs, Hayes is focused on consistency. On November 2, 2025, he started against the Heat, scoring early points and helping with rebounds. Injury updates indicate he is 100%, ready for the November 3 game against the Timberwolves. His one-year contract expires in 2026, but strong performances could lead to an extension. Hayes has also expressed interest in mentoring, inspired by his family.
Conclusion Jaxson Hayes exemplifies the essence of modern basketball: athleticism, resilience, and continuous growth. From his Cincinnati roots to starting for the Lakers, his journey inspires. With updates like the Slovenian passport and victorious returns in 2025, Hayes is ready for new chapters. To fans, he is more than a player—he is a symbol of perseverance. His future shines bright, promising more highlights on and off the court.
