Jaxson Hayes' return reveals Lakers' true feelings on controversial figure
For those hoping for a complete overhaul of the center position in Los Angeles, avert your eyes. Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers front office clearly thought Jaxson Hayes showcased more than enough in the 2024-25 season to warrant a return to Hollywood.
Shams Charania announced, "Free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed on a one-year deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Hayes' agents, Bill Duffy and Marlon Harrison of WME Basketball, finalized a contract with Lakers president Rob Pelinka on Thursday."
To clarify, this isn’t something specifically given to Hayes. It happens with every 1 year deal for a player getting 3 years or more seasons consecutively with any team because they acquire Bird right at that point and those would be lost with a trade. So the player has a chance… https://t.co/c6m4IRu2jm
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) July 3, 2025
Hayes' return to Los Angeles is surprising for many. The Lakers center flamed out towards the end of last season, losing his spot in the starting lineup during the 2025 NBA Playoffs as JJ Redick's trust in Hayes appeared to quickly fade.
Pelinka's feelings on the matter look to be in a different position after this move. With the Lakers' center rotation in need of a massive makeover, the decision to bring Hayes back signals a continued belief in the athletic center being a part of the solution in Los Angeles.
Hayes' 2024-25 season was an absolute rollercoaster. The ineffectiveness of the backup big man initially had Anthony Davis publicly pleading for reinforcements down low with the media.
Then, the blockbuster trade to land Luka Doncic happened. After the Mark Williams shenanigans left the Lakers with no better option than Hayes in the frontcourt, a new level of responsibility was thrust onto the high-flying backup.
Following Doncic's debut, Hayes averaged 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, and 0.6 steals during 21.4 minutes per game for 27 games as a member of the starting lineup. The Lakers center shot 75.6 percent from the field in those games.
Switchable small ball lineups became the most consistent pathway to success for Redick. However, Hayes offered a surprisingly pleasant option down low until his previously-described meltdown in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite a clear need for rim protection against a large Timberwolves group, Hayes could not serve as the deterrent at the basket that was necessary due to his foul troubles. The stopgap starter averaged 9.3 fouls per-36 minutes.
The offensive chemistry with Doncic clearly offered enough reason to allow Hayes another opportunity with the Lakers. However, the hope here would be that another big man arrives in Los Angeles to firmly push him to the third spot on the depth chart for the center position.
