BREAKING: In a move that has generated a buzz among Lakers fans and league insiders alike, free agent center Jaxson Hayes has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal. The news, first reported by Shams Charania, signals a continued investment in youth and athleticism for a Lakers team trying to retool and remain competitive in an increasingly loaded Western Conference. While it may not be the blockbuster deal that shakes up the entire league, Hayes’ return has meaningful implications for how the Lakers plan to shape their rotation—and their identity—heading into the upcoming NBA season.
Jaxson Hayes, a former lottery pick selected 8th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, has always intrigued teams with his tantalizing combination of size, vertical athleticism, and rim-protecting potential. Standing 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and elite leaping ability, Hayes brings a physical profile that screams upside, even if that potential has yet to be fully realized on the court. His stint with the Lakers last season offered glimpses of what he can provide: energy, lob-finishing, and some solid minutes as a backup center behind Anthony Davis.
What makes this re-signing particularly interesting is the broader context of where the Lakers are as a franchise. Following a disappointing early exit from the playoffs, there’s been mounting pressure on the front office to maximize the remaining prime years of LeBron James while simultaneously building a younger, more durable supporting cast. The Lakers have often leaned heavily on veteran talent, but recent moves—including re-signing Hayes—suggest a growing emphasis on athleticism, versatility, and youth.
Hayes’ role last season was modest in terms of minutes and production, but he provided stability when called upon. Appearing in 70 games, he averaged around 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in just under 13 minutes per game. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but advanced metrics tell a slightly more favorable story. He ranked among the team’s better players in offensive rebounding percentage and screen assists per 36 minutes, which speaks to the gritty, unsung work he does that doesn’t always make highlight reels. More importantly, Hayes showed noticeable improvement in defensive positioning and discipline, two areas that had plagued him early in his career.
One of the key motivations for bringing Hayes back seems to be the Lakers’ desire to maintain frontcourt depth without compromising spacing or pace. With Anthony Davis frequently battling injuries and Christian Wood’s inconsistency, having a dependable and mobile backup big is essential. Hayes offers rim-running, shot-blocking, and switchability that can allow the Lakers to maintain defensive integrity when Davis is off the floor. While Hayes is not a floor-stretching big, his vertical gravity in the pick-and-roll can open up space for slashers and shooters on the perimeter.
The financial details of the contract have yet to be disclosed, but the deal is reportedly for one year, which fits the Lakers’ preference for financial flexibility. A short-term agreement gives the team the ability to evaluate Hayes’ progress without a long-term commitment while allowing Hayes to bet on himself with hopes of earning a more lucrative contract in the future. It’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward scenario for both sides. For the Lakers, it’s a cost-effective way to reinforce their bench; for Hayes, it’s another opportunity to show he belongs in a consistent NBA rotation.
From a development standpoint, Hayes is still just 24 years old, which is notable considering he already has five years of NBA experience under his belt. That kind of timeline fits well with the Lakers’ attempts to bridge the gap between the current LeBron-led core and the next generation. It’s also worth noting that Hayes reportedly had interest from other teams in need of frontcourt help, which makes his return to L.A. a modest win for the franchise in terms of player retention and continuity.
The bigger question is whether Hayes can carve out a more defined and expanded role in Darvin Ham’s system. Last season, he oscillated between being a regular part of the rotation and logging DNP-CDs, depending on matchups and health. But if he can continue to improve his defensive communication and stay out of foul trouble, there’s a pathway to becoming a reliable contributor off the bench. He may never become a full-time starter, but role players like Hayes often find longevity in the league by mastering specific responsibilities—and the Lakers seem keen on giving him that chance.
Another underrated aspect of Hayes’ return is what it signals about the locker room environment. Reports have suggested that Hayes was well-liked among teammates and brought a positive attitude to the team even when his minutes were inconsistent. In a league where chemistry and culture can make or break a season, having players who buy into their role is crucial. With a team that has historically battled egos and high expectations, players like Hayes who embrace the grind are invaluable.
Offensively, Hayes still has work to do in expanding his game. He’s not a post threat, nor does he have any reliable midrange or perimeter shot. But within the confines of what the Lakers ask from their centers—set strong screens, roll hard, crash the boards, and protect the rim—he has the tools to be effective. The team’s coaching staff will likely continue to emphasize finishing through contact, decision-making on short rolls, and defensive positioning as key areas of improvement for him going forward.
One wildcard in this equation is how the Lakers approach the rest of free agency and potential trades. If they bring in another big man or swing a deal for a stretch five, Hayes’ role could shift again. But even in a crowded frontcourt, his athleticism gives him a unique skill set that not all the Lakers’ bigs can replicate. In games where tempo and transition opportunities are a priority, Hayes could be a valuable weapon off the bench.
There’s also the possibility that Hayes, with another year under his belt in L.A., could take a leap in confidence and production. Sometimes, the consistency of staying in one place, developing under the same staff, and forming bonds with teammates can unlock growth that frequent team changes can’t. He’s shown flashes—games where he’s altered shots, run the floor, and finished with authority. The question now becomes whether he can turn those flashes into regular, dependable minutes in a playoff-caliber rotation.
This signing might not dominate headlines the way a marquee trade or superstar acquisition would, but moves like these are often the ones that matter in April, May, and June. Contending teams are built not just on their stars but on the reliability and energy of their role players. In that context, Hayes’ return fits the mold of a smart, strategic decision. The Lakers know what they’re getting, and in a league of constant movement and uncertainty, that counts for something.
As Lakers fans digest this news, it’s fair to temper expectations. Hayes is not going to average 20 and 10 or anchor a defense on his own. But what he offers—a rim-running presence, defensive potential, and youthful upside—is something that fits into the broader vision of what this team wants to be. If he can continue his upward trajectory, stay healthy, and embrace his role, he could very well end up being one of the more underrated pieces of a team looking to make a deep postseason run.
For now, the Lakers have one more box checked in their offseason to-do list. The roster isn’t complete, and more moves are likely coming. But bringing back Jaxson Hayes represents continuity, belief in internal growth, and a commitment to building a roster that balances veteran experience with youthful energy. In a long and grueling season, depth matters—and the Lakers just made sure they’ve got a little more of it.
