Basketball is a game of rhythm, and right now, Jaxson Hayes is trying to find his again while stuck in a warmup suit. If you've been checking the box scores lately, you've probably noticed a glaring absence. The hyper-athletic center for the Los Angeles Lakers has hit a bit of a snag just as the 2025-26 season is hitting its mid-winter grind.
Honestly, the Jaxson Hayes last 10 games stretch tells two very different stories. One is about a guy finally figuring out how to be an efficient, vertical spacer next to stars. The other? It's a frustrating tale of a left hamstring that just won't cooperate.
The Hamstring Problem Nobody Saw Coming
Everything was looking up for Hayes in early January. He was playing meaningful minutes behind Deandre Ayton and giving JJ Redick—or whoever is calling the shots for the Lakers' rotation these days—exactly what they needed: energy. Then, the wheels sort of wobbled.
As of January 18, 2026, Hayes has been sidelined for three straight games. The diagnosis is left hamstring tendinopathy. It’s not a "tear" in the scary sense, but it's that nagging, aching soreness that makes a 7-footer’s explosiveness disappear. He missed the January 13th game against the Hawks, sat out the January 15th trip to Charlotte, and was officially ruled out for the January 17th matchup in Portland.
Before this leg issue cropped up, he was actually putting together some of his most efficient basketball of the year.
A Quick Look at the Recent Tape
When he was actually on the floor during this 10-game window, the numbers were kind of wild. Take the January 12th game against Sacramento. Hayes logged 19 minutes and dropped 12 points on a near-perfect 5-of-6 from the field. He grabbed 5 rebounds and generally looked like the best version of himself—a pogo stick that cleans up messes around the rim.
But that’s the Jaxson Hayes experience, right?
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One night he’s a game-changer, and the next, he’s limited by foul trouble or, more recently, a stubborn injury. In his last few active appearances, he was averaging about 18 minutes a night. He wasn't exactly lighting up the scoreboard with 20-point nights, but he was shooting an absurd 76.6% from the field on the season. Basically, if he shoots it, it’s probably going in because it’s probably a dunk.
Breaking Down the Performance Trends
If we look at the actual production over the most recent stretch of games he played, the consistency was starting to emerge.
- Jan 12 @ SAC: 12 PTS, 5 REB, 5/6 FG. This was his peak during this window.
- Jan 9 vs MIL: 6 PTS, 2 REB in a tough loss.
- Jan 7 @ MEM: 10 PTS, 7 REB. He was active on the glass here.
- Jan 6 @ NOP: 2 PTS, 3 REB. A quiet return to his old stomping grounds.
- Jan 4 vs MEM: 1 PT, 6 REB. Rough shooting night, but he stayed on the boards.
- Jan 2: He helped the Lakers to a win with solid interior defense.
- Dec 31 @ DET: 13 PTS, 2 REB, 5/5 FG. Returning from an ankle injury, he didn't miss a single shot.
You've got to appreciate the efficiency. Even in games where he only scores once or twice, he isn't wasting possessions. For a backup center, that is pure gold. He’s currently averaging about 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game for the season, which sounds modest until you realize he's doing it in under 18 minutes of action.
What This Means for the Lakers Rotation
With Hayes out, the Lakers' depth is getting tested in a big way. You're seeing more of Jarred Vanderbilt in "small-ball" looks, and guys like Maxi Kleber or the rookie Drew Timme have had to step up. It's not ideal. Hayes brings a vertical threat—a "lob threat," as the nerds say—that those other guys just don't offer.
The drop-off in rim protection is real, too. While Hayes isn't prime Dwight Howard, his 7-foot frame and 7'4" wingspan bother shooters. Without him, the Lakers' second unit loses its primary eraser at the basket.
Why Fans Should (and Shouldn't) Worry
The "tendinopathy" label is the tricky part. It’s a wear-and-tear injury. It suggests that the heavy load of the early season might be catching up to him. The Lakers are being cautious, which is smart. You don't want a "sore hamstring" turning into a "popped hamstring" in late January when the playoff race is heating up.
The good news? He doesn't have a structural strain. The Lakers expect him back sooner rather than later, possibly even within the next week if the inflammation dies down.
Actionable Insights for Lakers Fans and Fantasy Owners
If you're following the Jaxson Hayes last 10 games because of a fantasy league or just because you're a die-hard Laker fan, here is the reality:
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- Monitor the Injury Report Daily: Hamstring tendinopathy is day-to-day but can stretch into weeks. Don't assume he's back until you see him go through a full contact practice.
- Adjust Expectations on Volume: Hayes is an efficiency play. He will likely never be a 15-shot-per-game guy. His value lies in his 70%+ field goal percentage and occasional blocks.
- Watch the Vanderbilt Minutes: As long as Hayes is out, Vanderbilt is the primary beneficiary in the frontcourt rotation. If you need rebounds and steals, "Vando" is your guy.
- Efficiency over Everything: When Hayes returns, expect his minutes to be capped at 15-20 to protect that leg. He can still be productive in that window, but he won't be a marathon man.
The Lakers need Hayes healthy for the stretch run. His ability to spell Deandre Ayton without the defense falling apart is a massive luxury. For now, it’s a waiting game to see if the rest and treatment can get that bounce back into his step. Keep an eye on the Tuesday game against Denver; that's the next big test for the Lakers' interior depth.