Jaxson Hayes is an American center currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Born on May 23, 2000, Hayes’ journey began at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the 2019 NBA Draft, his basketball dreams became a reality as he was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the eighth overall pick.
Throughout his NBA career, Hayes has continued to defy expectations, showcasing his explosive athleticism and rim-rocking dunks that have become his trademark. As he continues to rise through the ranks of professional basketball, Hayes has earned widespread recognition for his extraordinary athleticism for a player of his towering height.
Renowned for his gravity-defying dunks and fluid movement like a guard, Hayes has emerged as a unique talent in the league. His highlight-reel moments, often featuring jaw-dropping displays of athleticism and an terrific vertical jump of 34.5 inches, have captured the imagination of NBA fans.
After five years in the NBA, Hayes has found his role in the rotation and established himself as a valuable off-the-bench contributor.
Jaxson Hayes College
Jaxson Hayes played one college basketball season at the University of Texas at Austin. As a freshman, he showcased his immense talent and raw potential, averaging an impressive 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while boasting a tremendous 72.8% shooting accuracy from the field. One of his standout performances came in a game against TCU, where he recorded a career-high 19 points, along with seven rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Unfortunately, Hayes suffered a left knee injury in a game against Kansas in the Big 12 tournament, which halted his collegiate season. Despite the setback, his stellar performances throughout the season earned him the prestigious honor of being named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Following his standout freshman campaign, Hayes decided to declare for the NBA draft on April 11, 2019, foregoing his remaining three years of eligibility to pursue a career at the professional level.
Jaxson Hayes Draft
On June 20, 2021, Jaxson Hayes was drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of 2019 NBA Draft. However, his rights were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on draft night.
Jaxson Hayes Position
Jaxson Hayes primarily plays as a center/power forward. He is known for his athleticism, and shot-blocking ability. At 7 feet tall, Hayes is surprisingly agile for his size and has a formidable presence in the paint.
FAQ's on Jaxson Hayes college
A. Jaxson Hayes played collegiate basketball at University of Texas at Austin.
A. Jaxson Hayes primarily plays as a center, but can also operate as a power forward.
A. Jaxson Hayes will earn $2.1 million for the 2023/24 NBA season.
A. Jaxson Hayes has a two-year $4.6 million contract with the Lakers. He has a player option for the 2024/25 NBA season. Hayes has an option to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason or opt into his player option and become unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025.
A. The Lakers big man stands at 7 feet tall.
A. Jaxson Hayes was drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of 2019 NBA Draft. However, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans on draft night.
