After LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers decided to trade Anthony Davis for Luka Dončić, the NBA community debated which side would win this unexpected trade.
Although that is yet to be decided, it is already clear which individual has benefited most from this trade. Jaxson Hayes is a young center that the Lakers recently acquired. During an episode of James’ podcast, “Mind the Game,” the four-time NBA champion spoke on the growth and development that he has noticed in Hayes.
LeBron James Credits Jaxson Hayes for Stepping Up in Anthony Davis’ Absence
Given that Hayes has been criticized in the past, James’ compliment might make fans question their own opinion of the young star.
It might have made sense to assume that Dončić was under the most pressure after joining the Lakers. However, the real chunk of responsibility fell to Hayes. After all, losing Davis meant that he was the only player left on the roster taller than 6’11” who could reliably guard the biggest player on the opposing team.
James spoke on the growth he has seen from the young Lakers star, “I gotta give a big, big shoutout and credit to Jaxson Hayes, man. Him stepping into that void, losing AD, it’s a lot. … He’s just made great decisions. He’s been able to catch it in the pocket and stay on balance.”
“Jaxson Hayes has been unbelievable in his minutes, and we’re going to need that from him. We know how it unlocks Luka as well when it comes to pick-and-roll with a lob threat,” James said.
"I gotta give a big, big shoutout and credit to Jaxson Hayes, man. Him stepping into that void, losing AD, it's a lot. … He's just made great decisions. He's been able to catch it in the pocket and stay on balance. … Jaxson Hayes been unbelievable in his minutes, and we're… pic.twitter.com/8P7iZ2scuX
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) April 1, 2025
When Hayes was with the New Orleans Pelicans and even with the Lakers before they got Dončić, he was heavily criticized for displaying his basketball IQ, and several fans had a relatively low opinion of him. Some even wondered if he would bring any value to the Lakers when they initially made the trade for him, especially after the Mark Williams trade fell through.
Hayes was even attacked and forced to apologize for a video of him swearing over not making the Rising Stars game.
All of that appears to now be ancient history. Hayes has established himself as a reliable member of the Lakers and is the receiver of all the alley-oop passes that Dončić constantly sends his way.
As the Lakers’ season rapidly comes to an end, he will be entrusted with the responsibility of being the rim protector for the team in the playoffs. Fans are left wondering how much of Hayes’ potential Dončić and James will be able to unlock.