The Los Angeles Lakers are set to bring back center Jaxson Hayes on a one-year contract, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This announcement comes shortly after the Lakers secured a two-year, $16.6 million deal with Deandre Ayton, who will step in as the team’s starting center. Hayes will serve as a valuable backup to Ayton, who recently joined the Lakers after being bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jaxson Hayes, a 25-year-old center, has built a solid six-season career in the NBA. He was initially drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and was later traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he played for four seasons. He signed with the Lakers in 2023 on a two-year deal worth $4.6 million.
In the past season, Hayes demonstrated his potential by participating in 56 games and starting 35 of them. He averaged 6.8 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 72.2%, in addition to 4.8 rebounds over approximately 19.5 minutes of play per game. His career statistics showcase similar performance, highlighting his scoring at 6.8 points on 64.9% shooting with 3.9 rebounds per game.
This re-signing not only solidifies the Lakers’ frontcourt depth but also adds experience to a team looking to compete in the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to seeing how Hayes, alongside Ayton, will contribute to the Lakers’ offensive and defensive strategies.
As the Lakers continue to refine their roster, the arrival of Ayton and the return of Hayes certainly suggest a strong push for a successful season ahead.