Jaxson Hayes will have a smaller role with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.
After all, head coach JJ Redick only made Jaxson Hayes the LA Lakers’ starting center after Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
While Hayes failed to impress Redick, the Lakers still decided to re-sign him on a one-year deal for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesJaxson Hayes puts in the effort to improve his three-point shot
Last season, Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for the Lakers. However, the veteran center scored the majority of points inside the paint.
Considering how most NBA teams now require even their centers to be at least average three-point shooters, Hayes’ 0.0% last season certainly makes life difficult for the Lakers.
However, the 25-year-old was recently seen practicing his three-point shot ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
With Deandre Ayton all set to be the Lakers’ starting center, it’s certainly wise for Hayes to add more offensive weapons to his arsenal.
Jaxson Hayes’ three-point shooting viral clip receives brutal verdict from LA Lakers fans
While Hayes has never been a sniper from deep, it’s a skill he can learn. After all, Brook Lopez did just that and carved out a phenomenal career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite Hayes putting in the effort, the Laker Nation didn’t shy away from giving the veteran center a brutal reality check.
“Naw, this ain’t it. Just play defense,” one fan wrote. While another added: “Bro shoots like when I was in 5th grade.”
“It’s too late,” a third fan added.
“Would rather see bro in the weight room,” a fourth fan stated.
“He needs to work on being in the post and positioning for rebounds,” another fan suggested.
All things considered, the Lakers fanbase doesn’t want Hayes to become a three-point shooter. Instead, they expect him to be a menace on the defensive end of the floor while pulling down rebounds.