Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has reached a one-year contract to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday. It is reported that his contract comes with no trade clauses.
Jaxson Hayes played with the Lakers for two seasons
Hayes’ agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball completed the contract with Rob Pelinka, president and general manager of Lakers’ basketball business.
Hayes played for six NBA seasons. The Atlanta Hawks picked the former Texas Longhorns’ eighth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft before trading him to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The big man played for four seasons with the Pelicans before signing a two-year, $4.6 million contract with the Lakers in the 2023 offseason. Last season, he made $2.46 million with purple and gold.
Including the Hayes deal, the Lakers had 12 players signed a guaranteed contract and two non-guarantees, which were below $3.3 million for the first apron hard hat. This means Los Angeles can sign second-round draft pick Adou Thiero and still stay.
Hayes becomes the starter after Luka Doncic Trade
Hayes, 25, appeared in the Lakers’ starting center last season as they brought Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for trade deadline superstar Luka Doncic.
Hayes averaged 6.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists in the past 56 games (35 games), with a career high of 19.5 minutes per game while shooting up to 72.2% from the field.
According to ESPN statistics and information, the 7-foot player also scored the top 10 in shooting percentages for defenders who scored 250 or more in layups and dunks in players.
According to basketball reference, Hayes scored a season-high 19 points in three regular season games against the Pelicans (March 4), Phoenix Suns (March 16) and the Chicago Bulls (March 27).
Additionally, Hayes started the first four games of the Lakers losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 4-1 playoff series, but never played more than 10 minutes in any game in the series, nor did it appear in Game 5.
Hayes will support Deandre Ayton
The deal comes a day after the Lakers signed a two-year, $16.6 million contract with DeAndre Ayton. His contract also includes player options for season 2.
The Lakers will pay Australia $8.1 million (remaining the intermediate exception) on the salary of free agent Jake Laravia in 2025-26.
Ayton’s agent, Nima Namakian of Innovative Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Sports dealt with Pelinka.
Ayton will earn $34 million next season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. The seven-year veteran ended up with Portland on Sunday night.
