Jaxson Hayes has become one of the most intriguing athletic big men in the NBA today. Known for his explosive dunks, shot-blocking ability, and defensive prowess, Hayes has carved out a solid niche for himself in the league. Standing at an impressive seven feet tall, he’s combined raw athleticism with developing basketball skills to become a valuable contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025.
Hayes’ journey from a late-blooming high school player to NBA professional is a testament to his dedication and natural physical gifts. His transformation from a backup player at Moeller High School to the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft showcases his rapid development.
Now in his sixth NBA season, Hayes continues to refine his game while building his reputation as one of the more efficient role players in the league.
Jaxson Hayes’ Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jaxson Reed Hayes |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 2000 |
| Age | 24 years |
| Education | University of Texas at Austin |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 7’0″ (213cm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (99kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 NBA Draft (8th overall pick) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 Million |
| Salary (2024-25) | $2,463,946 |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Nickname | “Flight Hayes” |
Early Career
Born on May 23, 2000, in Norman, Oklahoma, Jaxson Reed Hayes was destined for athletics from the beginning. His family background reads like a sports pedigree – his father, Jonathan Hayes, was a former NFL tight end who later transitioned into coaching, while his mother, Kristi Hayes, played collegiate basketball at Drake University. This dual athletic influence gave Jaxson a strong foundation in both discipline and physical development from an early age.
Though born in Oklahoma, Hayes was raised primarily in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his athletic journey would take an unexpected turn. Interestingly, basketball wasn’t always his primary focus. During his early high school years at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Hayes actually concentrated more on football, following somewhat in his father’s footsteps. However, nature had other plans for the young athlete.
What happened next dramatically altered Hayes’ athletic trajectory. Between his freshman and senior years of high school, Hayes experienced an extraordinary growth spurt, shooting up from around six feet tall to a towering 6’11”.
This dramatic physical transformation naturally pushed him toward basketball, where his newfound height could be a tremendous advantage. Despite this obvious physical gift, Hayes wasn’t immediately a standout basketball player. In fact, he spent much of his early high school career as a backup player, developing his skills away from the spotlight.
It wasn’t until his senior year that Hayes truly blossomed on the court. His combination of exceptional height, natural athleticism, and developing basketball IQ caught the attention of college scouts nationwide. He helped lead Moeller High School to impressive victories, establishing himself as a legitimate college prospect despite his relatively limited experience as a primary player.
Hayes’ late-blooming status made him something of an enigma to college recruiters. He didn’t have years of AAU experience or the polished game of many top prospects, but his raw potential was undeniable. After considering his options, Hayes committed to the University of Texas at Austin, where he would have the opportunity to develop under a respected coaching staff.
Professional Career
Jaxson Hayes declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman season at Texas, a decision validated when the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, Hayes never suited up for the Hawks as his draft rights were immediately traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a package deal that included future draft picks. This trade would mark the beginning of Hayes’ NBA journey with the Pelicans.
Hayes’ rookie season with New Orleans in 2019-20 provided glimpses of his potential as an athletic big man. He appeared in 64 games, starting 14 of them, while averaging 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game.
What truly stood out was his efficiency – Hayes shot an impressive 67.2% from the field, among the highest percentages in the league. His highlight-reel dunks and blocks quickly made him a fan favorite in New Orleans, earning him the nickname “Flight Hayes” due to his high-flying playing style.
The 2020-21 season saw Hayes continue his development, though primarily in a bench role. He played in 60 games but started only three, averaging 7.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while maintaining his efficient shooting at 62.5% from the field.
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During this season, Hayes also began to expand his range, showing flashes of a developing outside shot by connecting on 42.9% of his limited three-point attempts. This willingness to evolve his game demonstrated Hayes’ commitment to becoming more than just an athletic rim-runner.
The 2021-22 season represented Hayes’ most productive campaign with the Pelicans. Playing in 70 games and starting 28 of them, he averaged career highs of 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. His expanded role also saw him enjoy his first taste of playoff basketball when the Pelicans qualified for the postseason. In six playoff games, all starts, Hayes averaged 5.8 points and 2.5 rebounds, gaining valuable experience against high-level competition.
However, the 2022-23 season brought challenges for Hayes. His playing time and production decreased, with averages dropping to 5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in just 13.0 minutes per game across 47 appearances. The reduced role signaled that perhaps a change of scenery might benefit the young center as he approached the end of his rookie contract.
That change came in the 2023 offseason when Hayes signed a two-year deal worth approximately $4.6 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. This move represented a fresh start and an opportunity to contribute to a franchise with championship aspirations.
During his first season with the Lakers (2023-24), Hayes appeared in 70 games, primarily as a backup center, averaging 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game while shooting an extremely efficient 72.0% from the field.
Jaxson Hayes’ Net Worth Details
Jaxson Hayes’s net worth is estimated to be between $4-5 million as of 2025.
Contract Details
Hayes is currently playing under a two-year contract worth $4,628,946 with the Los Angeles Lakers, which he signed in 2023. This fully guaranteed deal includes a player option for the 2024-25 season, which Hayes exercised on June 29, 2024. The contract is relatively modest by NBA standards, reflecting Hayes’ role as a rotational player rather than a star.
Upon completion of the 2024-25 season, Hayes will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at age 25, allowing him to sign with any team without restriction. He is currently represented by agents Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, who will help navigate his next contract negotiations.
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Jaxson Hayes is earning a base salary of $2,463,946, which also represents his cap hit against the Lakers’ salary cap. This figure accounts for approximately 1.75% of the NBA league cap and 1.44% of the luxury tax threshold.
His salary marks a slight increase from the $2,165,000 he earned during the 2023-24 season, the first year of his current contract. While this salary is relatively modest compared to many NBA players, it represents significant value for the Lakers given Hayes’ contributions as both a starter and reserve throughout the season.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | New Orleans Pelicans | $4,862,040 |
| 2020-21 | New Orleans Pelicans | $5,105,160 |
| 2021-22 | New Orleans Pelicans | $5,348,280 |
| 2022-23 | New Orleans Pelicans | $6,803,012 |
| 2023-24 | Los Angeles Lakers | $2,165,000 |
| 2024-25 | Los Angeles Lakers | $2,463,946 |
| Total Career Earnings | $26,747,438 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | New Orleans | 64 | 14 | 16.9 | .672 | .250 | .647 | 4.0 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 7.4 |
| 2020-21 | New Orleans | 60 | 3 | 16.1 | .625 | .429 | .775 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 7.5 |
| 2021-22 | New Orleans | 70 | 28 | 20.0 | .616 | .351 | .766 | 4.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 9.3 |
| 2022-23 | New Orleans | 47 | 2 | 13.0 | .551 | .103 | .699 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 5.0 |
| 2023-24 | L.A. Lakers | 70 | 5 | 12.5 | .720 | .000 | .622 | 3.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 4.3 |
| 2024-25* | L.A. Lakers | 52 | 31 | 19.8 | .722 | .000 | .663 | 4.9 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 6.9 |
| Career | 363 | 83 | 16.4 | .636 | .268 | .707 | 3.9 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 6.8 |
FAQs
1. Which NBA teams has Jaxson Hayes played for since entering the league?
Hayes was drafted eighth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 and later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2023–24 season to play a key reserve role at center.
2. What position does Hayes play and what are his main strengths?
Hayes is a center known for athleticism, rim protection, and elite lob-finishing ability. His quick leaping and shot-blocking presence make him a valuable interior defender.
3. How does Hayes contribute offensively and what is his scoring style?
Offensively, Hayes specializes in pick-and-roll dunks, put-backs, and efficient finishing around the rim, rarely scoring outside the paint but maintaining a high field goal percentage.
4. What are Hayes’ career statistical averages through?
Across multiple NBA seasons, Hayes has averaged approximately 7 points, 4 rebounds, and over 1 block in less than 20 minutes per game, primarily coming off the bench.
5. How has Hayes performed as a shot blocker and defender?
Hayes is known for timing and disrupting opponents at the rim, regularly posting seasons with more than 1 block per game and altering countless shots as a help defender.
6. What was Hayes’ college background before turning pro?
Hayes played one season at the University of Texas, where his breakout play and athleticism in Big 12 competition elevated his stock to lottery pick status in the 2019 NBA Draft.
7. What challenges or injuries has Hayes faced during his NBA career?
Hayes has dealt with ankle sprains, minor injuries, and development growing pains, but has remained largely healthy and available for both New Orleans and Los Angeles rotations.
8. How do coaches value Hayes’ energy and bench impact?
Coaches appreciate Hayes’ rim-running, vertical spacing, and ability to bring energy to second units. His effort in transition and on offensive glass often sparks teammates and changes game momentum.
9. How has Hayes’ skillset progressed since entering the NBA?
Hayes has improved as a rim protector and finisher, gradually developing his defensive awareness and discipline. He continues working on free throw shooting and adding a mid-range jumper to expand his game.
10. What are Hayes’ professional goals and long-term outlook?
Hayes aims to solidify a regular rotation spot for a playoff contender, maximize his impact as a rim protector, and develop into a starting-caliber NBA center as his career advances.
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