Jaxson Hayes stats tonight: Lakers big man shines on LeBron James’ historic night vs Pelicans (March 4)

The LA Lakers' matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday was one for the history books, as LeBron James surpassed the 50,000-point milestone, but center Jaxson Hayes stole some of the spotlight in the Lakers' 136-115 win.

Hayes made an early impact, throwing down two dunks in the opening quarter, both set up by James and Luka Doncic, as the Lakers built a 36-23 lead. But in the second quarter, he took it up a notch against his former team.

Without missing a single shot or free throw, Hayes dominated the period, finishing lobs, putbacks and getting to the line, closing the half with 19 points and eight rebounds.

While Hayes was putting on a show, Doncic was doing the same, leading the team with 20 first-half points and nine assists. James contributed 12 points and five assists, helping the Lakers maintain a 69-59 halftime advantage. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 21 points on an efficient 10-for-12 shooting.

Hayes had a chance to surpass his career high of 23 points, which he reached twice with the Pelicans in 2022, but went scoreless in the second half.

Below are Jaxson Hayes' full stats.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Jaxson Hayes	23:35	19	10	0	8	8	100	0	0	0.0	3	3	100	3	7	0	0	1	5	4

Jaxson Hayes talks elevated role with Lakers after Anthony Davis trade, failed Mark Williams deal

After acquiring Luka Doncic, the Lakers sought to give him a lob threat and agreed to a deal to acquire Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.

However, the trade fell through after Williams failed his physical, forcing the Lakers to pull the plug on the deal. With the move scrapped, Hayes acknowledged his expanded role as the team’s new starting center.

“I feel personally, I feel like this might be one of the best fits, like team-wise for guys for me to play with personally," he said in February. "It’s just me selfishly speaking. I’m really excited about it.”

Hayes, known for his athleticism and leaping ability, has not been widely considered a starting-caliber center for a championship contender. However, he expressed confidence that he’s ready for the challenge.

“I feel like I’m very prepared,” Hayes said. “God’s blessed me with a bunch of talents and a bunch of abilities, and I’m fully ready to take full advantage of it. With the new team and with all the new guys, (I'm) just ready to take advantage of it.”

So far, Hayes has averaged 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in nine career games alongside Doncic.