Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) and center Jaxson Hayes (11)

Kawhi Leonard gets bumped by Jaxson Hayes and makes an and-1 layup.

Jaxson Hayes throws down a one-handed jam and is fouled.

Since the offseason, it’s been no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers were searching for a starting caliber center, even when Anthony Davis was still on the team. Before the blockbuster trade, Davis made it clear that he wanted a center alongside him in the lineup.

Jaxson Hayes had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers, and also hit Naz Reid in the face with a basketball. It was the kind of play that was overshadowed by LeBron James going crashing into the first row and taking out mulitple seats moments earlier,

Consider this moment from Sunday night’s win over the Clippers: Jaxson Hayes got a defensive rebound, handed the ball to Luka Doncic, who took one step forward and fired a 75-foot two-hand chest pass downcourt to LeBron James — who caught it in stride and capped the play with an easy layup.

Consider this moment from Sunday night's win over the Clippers: Jaxson Hayes got a defensive rebound, handed the ball to Luka Doncic, who took one step forward and fired a 75-foot two-hand chest pass downcourt to LeBron James — who caught it in stride and capped the play with an easy layup.

Consider this moment from Sunday night’s win over the Clippers: Jaxson Hayes got a defensive rebound, handed the ball to Luka Doncic, who took one step forward and fired a 75-foot two-hand chest pass downcourt to LeBron James — who caught it in stride and capped the play with an easy layup.

Lakers reunite with a shot-blocking center and add him to G League roster following his brief stint with the Mavericks

However, the Lakers announced that Hayes, who is dealing with a right knee injury, has been downgraded ahead of their game against Boston.