Jaxson Hayes Bio
Jaxson Reed Hayes is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a center for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on May 23, 2000, in Norman, Oklahoma, Hayes developed his basketball skills in Cincinnati, Ohio, before becoming a standout college player at the University of Texas. The Atlanta Hawks selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, and his draft rights were subsequently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Hayes played four seasons with the Pelicans before joining the Lakers in 2023. He comes from an athletic family, as his father Jonathan Hayes played in the NFL and his mother Kristi Kinne was a accomplished collegiate basketball player at Drake University.
Early Life and Background
Hayes grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Moeller High School. During his high school years, he experienced remarkable growth, adding nearly six inches to his frame as he progressed from a freshman standing at six feet tall to a senior measuring six feet eleven inches. This physical development transformed him into a formidable presence on the basketball court. As a senior at Moeller, Hayes averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks per game, demonstrating the shot-blocking ability that would become a signature aspect of his playing style.
Beyond high school competition, Hayes gained valuable international experience in 2018 when he participated in the Junior International Tournament in Lissone, Italy. During this tournament, he led Team Ohio to victory, capturing the program’s fifth championship title. His performance on the international stage helped establish his reputation as an emerging talent. Following his standout high school career, Hayes committed to play college basketball at the University of Texas, choosing the Longhorns over other Division I programs that had recruited him.
Path to Basketball
At the University of Texas, Hayes played one season for the Longhorns during the 2018-2019 campaign. He made an immediate impact, averaging 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting an exceptional 72.8 percent from the field. His efficiency and defensive instincts caught the attention of NBA scouts and executives throughout the season. He recorded a career-high 19 points against TCU in a 69-56 loss, adding seven rebounds, two steals, and one block to his performance.
Despite his success, Hayes faced adversity when he suffered a knee injury during the Big 12 tournament against Kansas. Nevertheless, his body of work throughout the season earned him significant recognition. He was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year, earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors, and was selected to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. On April 11, 2019, Hayes declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility. His decision came after just one season, but his performance had established him as one of the top prospects in his draft class.
Jaxson Hayes Career
New Orleans Pelicans (2019-2023)
The Atlanta Hawks selected Hayes with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Immediately following the selection, the Hawks traded his draft rights along with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and a heavily protected first-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for De’Andre Hunter and Solomon Hill. The trade was officially completed on July 7, 2019. Hayes wasted no time making an impression, as he made his NBA debut on October 10, 2019, scoring 19 points on efficient 8-of-11 shooting against the Golden State Warriors in an 11-point loss.
On November 17, 2019, Hayes earned his first career start, stepping in for the injured Derrick Favors. He delivered a double-double performance with 10 points and 10 rebounds while also recording three blocks in a 108-100 victory over the Warriors. This performance established him as a player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. Throughout his rookie season, Hayes continued to develop his craft, recording additional double-doubles and demonstrating his ability to protect the rim.
Los Angeles Lakers (2023-Present)
On July 6, 2023, Hayes signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a new chapter in his professional career. During the 2023-24 NBA season, he appeared in 70 games for the Lakers, averaging 4.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. His role on the team continued to evolve as he provided frontcourt depth and energy off the bench.
The 2024-25 season brought increased opportunities for Hayes. Following the Anthony Davis trade to the Dallas Mavericks, Hayes moved into the starting lineup and began 35 games for the Lakers. In 56 total appearances that season, he averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, showcasing improved offensive production and consistency. His ability to finish at the rim and protect the basket made him a valuable component of the Lakers’ rotation. On July 3, 2025, Hayes re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year contract, demonstrating the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hayes operates primarily as a rim protector and lob threat on the offensive end. His seven-foot frame and 100-kilogram build allow him to finish effectively around the basket while also contesting shots defensively. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to block shots and grab rebounds, making him a traditional center who excels in the paint. His defensive instincts were evident even during his brief college career, where he earned All-Defensive Team honors. At the NBA level, he has demonstrated the capacity to guard multiple positions near the basket while providing vertical spacing for his team’s perimeter players.
Notable Events and Milestones
During his time with the Pelicans, Hayes played a role in helping the franchise return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Pelicans qualified for the postseason following play-in tournament victories over the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers. In the first round against the Phoenix Suns, Hayes contributed during the series, though the Pelicans ultimately fell to the Suns in six games. The 2023-24 season saw Hayes become part of the Lakers’ roster as the team competed for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Jaxson Hayes Career Highlights
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2019 to present, Hayes has accumulated notable achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His rapid ascent from high school prospect to NBA player highlighted his potential, while his contributions with the Pelicans and Lakers have established him as a reliable rotation player in the league.
College Career Highlights
Hayes’ lone season at the University of Texas proved highly successful. He helped lead the Longhorns to the 2019 NIT Championship, earning tournament MVP honors for his performance. His individual accolades included Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Second-team All-Big 12, and Big 12 All-Defensive Team recognition. His 72.8 percent field goal percentage ranked among the highest in the nation for players at his position, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in his offensive game.
NBA Career Highlights
In the NBA, Hayes captured the 2023 NBA Cup championship, contributing to the Lakers’ success during the inaugural in-season tournament. Throughout his career, he has recorded multiple double-double performances and established himself as a player capable of scoring in double figures when called upon. His 2024-25 season represented a career-high in several statistical categories, as he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while making 35 starts for the Lakers.
Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Hayes comes from a distinguished athletic family with deep roots in both basketball and football. His father, Jonathan Hayes, played in the National Football League and later served as head coach of the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks. His mother, Kristi Kinne, was an outstanding basketball player at Drake University from 1991 to 1995. Kristi earned honorable mention Kodak All-American honors and was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year during her senior season. She recorded 3,406 career points during her high school career at Jefferson-Scranton High School in Jefferson, Iowa. She also served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma, University of Iowa, and Southern Illinois-Carbondale.
Personal Life
Hayes has three siblings. His sister Jillian Hayes is a forward at the University of Cincinnati, currently in her fifth year with the program. His brother Jewett Hayes plays defensive end at the University of Virginia. His youngest sibling is Jonah. In October 2025, Hayes announced his intention to pursue a Slovenian passport, expressing interest in representing Slovenia internationally in future competitions. He cited the lack of open tryouts for the United States national team as a reason for this decision, noting that his teammate Luka Dončić is also Slovenian. Hayes shares the same agent as Dončić and planned to begin the naturalization process to become eligible for the Slovenian national team, which allows one naturalized citizen per roster.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season marked a significant opportunity for Hayes with the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the Anthony Davis trade, Hayes was elevated to a starting role and responded with his most productive professional season. He started 35 games and appeared in 56 total contests, averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. His improved rebounding and scoring consistency made him a reliable option in the middle of the Lakers’ rotation. The team’s dynamic shifted with Davis no longer in the lineup, and Hayes helped maintain frontcourt stability alongside other Lakers big men.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Hayes demonstrated the ability to contribute meaningfully on both ends of the floor. His career-high 35 starts showcased the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities. The Lakers competed throughout the season for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference, with Hayes serving as a consistent presence in the paint. His rim protection and finishing ability remained valuable assets for a team looking to maximize its interior production.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season and beyond, Hayes re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year contract in July 2025. This commitment indicates his desire to continue building on his momentum with the franchise. His pursuit of Slovenian citizenship adds another dimension to his basketball career, potentially opening doors for international competition. As Hayes enters his seventh NBA season, he brings experience from over 250 professional games and a developed skill set as a finishing center who can protect the rim and crash the boards effectively.