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Deandre Ayton of the Los Angeles Lakers suffered an injury against the Utah Jazz.
The Los Angeles Lakers have spent years searching for consistency at the center position, and this season has been no exception.
When the franchise signed former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton last offseason, the move was widely viewed as a long-term solution in the frontcourt. Instead, uncertainty has lingered.
Ayton’s production has fluctuated throughout the year, and scrutiny around the 27-year-old has intensified as questions about his fit and future in Los Angeles continue to surface.
Lakers Facing Growing Frontcourt Dilemma
In recent months, Ayton has struggled with missed layups, botched lob finishes, and point-blank opportunities that once felt automatic.
At times, he has looked far removed from the dominant prospect who entered the league as the top pick in 2018.
Availability has also become a concern. Ayton has missed three of the Lakers’ last four games due to a knee issue, further disrupting any rhythm he had established.
During that stretch, backup center Jaxson Hayes has stepped into a larger role, and made the most of it.
Hayes has exceeded expectations throughout the season, and his recent performances have only intensified the conversation around the starting spot.
Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts believes Hayes’ play has warranted a permanent promotion to the opening lineup.
“The Los Angeles Lakers should start Jaxson Hayes over Deandre Ayton” Watts wrote. “The seven-footer is not a rim protector, but he’s willing to play a role. Ayton wants touches, and his effort fluctuates significantly.”
“The Lakers never know what they are going to get for their current starter. Hayes will compete hard, finish inside, and do whatever the team asks. Luka Doncic wants a center on the floor to be his pick-and-roll partner. He has excellent chemistry with Hayes.
“Hayes will finish around the rim and compete hard. He should open games and play more minutes than Ayton. Neither is the perfect starting center, but Hayes gives the Lakers the best chance to win.”
Lakers Weigh Rotation Shift as Hayes’ Numbers Climb
Through 45 games this season, Hayes is averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist while shooting a career-best 77.2% from the field.
Over the past five games, a stretch in which Ayton has been in and out of the line-up, Hayes’ production has jumped to 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steal in just 21.1 minutes per contest.
In the Lakers’ final game before the All-Star break against Dallas, Hayes delivered one of his most complete performances of the season.
He finished with 16 points, seven rebounds (four offensive), four assists, three steals, and one block. He also posted a team-high plus-26 rating, further strengthening his case for a larger role.
Despite the momentum, a line-up change may not be straightforward. Watts noted that Ayton may not be receptive to a bench role, particularly after expressing frustration earlier this season about his offensive involvement.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Ayton’s knee injury is not considered serious, and the Lakers remain optimistic he will be available when they return from the All-Star break to face the Los Angeles Clippers on February 20.
Looking ahead, the Lakers are projected to have more than $55 million in salary cap space this offseason. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has identified the center position as a clear priority, suggesting further changes could be on the horizon regardless of Ayton holding an $8.1 million player option.
For now, however, the decision looms large. The Lakers must either stick with their established starter or reward the emerging contributor, with a choice likely coming soon.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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