Lakers Center Jaxson Hayes Adds 20 Pounds of “Healthy Weight” in Offseason
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El Segundo, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 — Jaxson Hayes reported to Los Angeles Lakers Media Day 20 pounds heavier, saying the additional bulk was a deliberate effort to withstand the NBA’s more physical centers without sacrificing quickness.
“I’ve always been on the lighter side,” the 7-footer said Monday. “I wanted to gain healthy weight, eat the right things, hit the right calorie numbers, and still feel good.”
The weight gain comes after a postseason in which head coach JJ Redick often opted for small-ball lineups, exposing Hayes’ difficulty against stronger interior players. Los Angeles entered the summer with limited depth in the middle following the trade that brought Luka Doncic to town, leaving Hayes as the lone traditional center on the roster.
Although the fourth-year big man is expected to begin the season as a reserve, the Lakers will lean on his rim protection and energy off the bench. Hayes had productive stretches during last year’s regular season before opponents began targeting him under the rim in the playoffs.
Los Angeles further bolstered the position by signing Deandre Ayton, who is slated to start. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said he has been encouraged by Ayton’s performance in voluntary workouts and scrimmages.
The Lakers open training camp this week, with Hayes focused on translating his added strength into sustained minutes while retaining the athleticism that has defined his game.
Source: Lakers Nation
