The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most talked-about teams in the NBA this offseason, with fans and analysts eagerly dissecting every move the franchise makes. The latest updates to the roster have sparked plenty of discussion, particularly the return of Jaxson Hayes. The young big man, who joined the Lakers last season on a one-year deal, has re-signed with the team, and opinions on his return are mixed. Some see it as a low-risk, high-reward move, while others question whether he brings enough to the table to justify his spot on a team with championship aspirations. So, what are the honest thoughts on Jaxson Hayes returning to the Lakers? Let’s break it down.
First, it’s important to understand what Hayes brings to the table. At 6’11” with elite athleticism, he fits the mold of a modern NBA big—long, mobile, and capable of playing above the rim. His physical tools alone make him an intriguing prospect, especially in a league where teams increasingly value versatility in their frontcourt players. Hayes is a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations, a capable shot-blocker, and a player who can run the floor in transition. These are all valuable traits, particularly for a Lakers team that struggled with depth in the frontcourt last season.
However, the concerns with Hayes are just as glaring. While he has the physical gifts, his basketball IQ and consistency have been questioned throughout his career. Since being drafted eighth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019, Hayes has never quite lived up to his potential. His offensive game remains limited—he doesn’t have a reliable jumper, his post-up game is underdeveloped, and he’s prone to turnovers when forced to make decisions with the ball. Defensively, while he can be a solid rim protector, he often struggles with positioning and foul trouble, which limits his effectiveness in extended minutes.
Last season with the Lakers, Hayes had moments where he flashed his potential, particularly as a rim-runner and energy guy off the bench. But he also had stretches where he looked lost on the court, failing to make a meaningful impact. His per-game averages of 4.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game don’t jump off the page, but context matters. The Lakers’ rotation was inconsistent, and Hayes was often buried behind Anthony Davis and other bigs when the team went smaller. When given opportunities, he showed he could be a useful role player, but the question is whether he can take a step forward in his development.
The Lakers’ decision to bring him back suggests they see untapped potential. At just 24 years old, Hayes is still young enough to improve, and playing alongside veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis could help him refine his game. The Lakers’ coaching staff, led by JJ Redick (assuming he takes over), will need to work with him on his defensive awareness and offensive decision-making. If Hayes can become more disciplined—cutting down on fouls, improving his positioning, and developing even a mid-range jumper—he could become a valuable rotation piece.
Another factor to consider is the financial aspect. Hayes’ contract is reportedly another minimum deal, which means the Lakers aren’t investing much in him financially. In today’s NBA, where salary cap flexibility is crucial, having a player with Hayes’ upside on a cheap deal is a smart gamble. If he doesn’t pan out, the team can move on without any real consequences. But if he takes a leap, the Lakers get a productive big man at a bargain price.
The bigger picture here is how Hayes fits into the Lakers’ overall roster construction. The team has made several moves this offseason, including drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, re-signing Max Christie, and adding veterans like Christian Wood (assuming he re-signs) and possibly another center. Hayes’ role will likely be as a backup big, providing energy and athleticism in short bursts. He’s not going to be a starter, and he shouldn’t be relied upon as a primary rim protector. But in a limited role, he can be effective.
One area where Hayes could make a noticeable impact is in transition. The Lakers have struggled at times to push the pace, but with Hayes’ ability to sprint the floor and finish above the rim, he could help generate easy baskets in fast-break situations. Additionally, his athleticism allows him to be a solid pick-and-roll partner for guards like Austin Reaves or D’Angelo Russell. If the Lakers can utilize him correctly—keeping his role simple and maximizing his strengths—he could be a sneaky-good addition.
That said, there are legitimate reasons for skepticism. Hayes has been in the league for five years now, and while he’s shown flashes, he hasn’t made significant strides in his development. The Lakers aren’t in a position to wait around for players to figure things out—they need contributors now. If Hayes doesn’t show improvement early in the season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his minutes shrink or for the team to explore other options.
Ultimately, the return of Jaxson Hayes is a low-risk move with potential upside. The Lakers aren’t betting the farm on him, but they’re giving themselves another athletic big who could thrive in the right system. If he can refine his game and play within his strengths, he could become a useful piece off the bench. If not, the team can easily pivot.
For fans, the key will be managing expectations. Hayes isn’t going to suddenly become an All-Star, but he doesn’t need to be. If he can provide 10-15 solid minutes per game, protect the rim, and finish around the basket, he’ll have done his job. The Lakers’ success this season will hinge on much bigger factors—the health of LeBron and AD, the performance of their guards, and their overall defensive identity. Hayes is just one piece of the puzzle, and his impact will likely be minimal in the grand scheme of things.
In conclusion, the Lakers bringing back Jaxson Hayes is a fine move, but it’s not one that moves the needle significantly. He has the tools to be a solid role player, but he’ll need to show more consistency to earn real trust from the coaching staff. For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation. If he improves, great. If not, the Lakers can move on without much fuss. Either way, his return doesn’t drastically change the outlook of the team, but it does add another layer of depth to a roster that’s looking to compete at the highest level.
